'Everyone's giving me grief' over the series being over prior to my arrival.

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

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.

The England team - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit 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.

"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the top order."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that outlook."

"Obviously it is a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."

"We'll enjoy spending the festive season out there. It is also our first experience traveling over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.