'People keep ribbing me' over the series concluding prior to my arrival.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the top order."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."
"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."
"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing 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 added.
