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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings 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 "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"People in the office has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Hope was abundant about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

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

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be our first experience abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.