'Everyone's giving me grief' over the series finishing before I get there.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

That will not be happening during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".

"All analysts points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be our first experience traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to fall back on," she finished.