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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?

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

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility 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 England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."

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

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays in Australia. It is also our first experience abroad at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.