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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 Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

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

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.

"People in the office has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for 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.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

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

"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be a new experience for us away from home over Christmas."

A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.