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Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

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

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.

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

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."

"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."

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

"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she added.