'I'm getting constant stick' about the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower ask for?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also organized trips who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.
The Ryding Siblings
The Ryding siblings are among those affected.
The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.
But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The England team - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never featured in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."
"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Of course, it's disappointing we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. It is also our first experience away from home over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.