'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes concluding prior to my arrival.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want 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 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.

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

Fans with Booked Tickets

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant 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 prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. This will be our first experience away from home at this time of year."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to turn to," she added.