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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition, there are tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.

"It will be a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," she added.