'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.
However, the situation is now facing the prospect 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 tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.
Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side currently."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."
Regardless of the result, the group remains looking forward to the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount by now."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."
An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she added.
