'I'm getting constant stick' about the series being over before I get there.

Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.

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

"People in the office has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest 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."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

But they are now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."

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

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."

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

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.