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

Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

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

"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a great time anyway," said Katie. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Of course, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."

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

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.