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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are tour groups who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

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

"We always thought that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."

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

"We are going to have a great time anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."

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

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.