'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition, there are tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"All analysts references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."
"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"We are going to have a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she finished.
