'I'm getting constant stick' about the series concluding ahead of my trip.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists 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 the series on the line still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
But they are now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.
Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side currently."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Naturally, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. It is also a new experience for us traveling 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 Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.
