'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes finishing before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.
This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones heading for a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."
"It will require more than one player that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."
"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.