'People keep ribbing me' about the series being over before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
This is not the case during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are among those affected.
The four siblings had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.
"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
But they are 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 England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' 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 never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the top order."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side right now."
"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."
Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.
