'People keep ribbing me' over the series concluding before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are a prime example.
The group had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."
"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.
"We are going to have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "We have to go with that outlook."
"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.