'People keep ribbing me' regarding the series concluding ahead of my trip.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The group had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."
Lowered Expectations
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good right now."
"There is going to have to be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Obviously it is a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. This will be a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, I've got golf to turn to," she added.