'People keep ribbing me' over the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.
The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are among those affected.
The group had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The England team - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"All analysts references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."
"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.