'People keep ribbing me' over the series being over ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are four such fans.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
Looking Ahead
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good currently."
"There is going to have to be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.
"We will have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Obviously it is disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," she finished.
