'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for England fans.
Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.