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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 retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

But they are now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

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 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," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also our first experience away from home during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she added.