'People keep ribbing me' regarding the series finishing before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for followers of the team.
However, the group 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 mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side currently."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Naturally, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."
A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she added.