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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style 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. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's our first experience abroad at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to fall back on," she finished.