'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes concluding ahead of my trip.

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

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

"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.