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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. This will be our first experience traveling during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," Katie concluded.