'People keep ribbing me' about the Ashes concluding prior to my arrival.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a rare England series success.
From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
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 English supporters.
Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".
"All analysts points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."
"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Regardless of the result, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"We will have a great time anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."
"We'll enjoy spending the festive season in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," she added.
