'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a rare England series success.
From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in the north of England.
"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We are going to have a great time regardless," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."
"Of course, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," she finished.
