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Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

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

Furthermore, other organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

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

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

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