'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding prior to my arrival.

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

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"Everyone at work has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"We always thought that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."

Lowered Expectations

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

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.

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

"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good currently."

"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Regardless of the result, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."

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

"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she added.