'People keep ribbing me' regarding the Ashes finishing before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a rare England series success.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been making comments 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."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The tourists - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style 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. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she added.