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

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.

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

One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.

However, the group said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.

"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.

"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year overseas. This will be our first experience away from home over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," she added.