'Everyone's giving me grief' about the series finishing ahead of my trip.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win 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 traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are a prime example.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their family home in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Fading Positivity

Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.

One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the top order."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

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

"We will have a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season overseas. It is also a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."

A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

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