'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding before I get there.

Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

That will not be happening during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.

There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

The Ryding siblings are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in the north of England.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.

It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for followers of the team.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".

"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."

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

"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her time off.

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