'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the Ashes being over before I get there.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.
Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.
"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"We will have a great time anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," Katie concluded.