'People keep ribbing me' about the series being over before I get there.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
This is not the case this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.
The Disappointed Travelers
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for England fans.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".
"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the top order."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior at the moment."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that outlook."
"Naturally, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season overseas. This will be a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.
