'People keep ribbing me' over the series being over before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.
The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition, there are tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house 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 the series on the line 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.
However, the situation is now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times 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 bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"It will require several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.
