'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes being over before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an England cricket fan desire?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as families and friends heading for a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.
"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."
Diminishing Hope
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.
Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - 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" Test cricket for England fans.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."
"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Of course, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. This will be a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.
