'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the series concluding ahead of my trip.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan desire?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
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 years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We will have a great time anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," she added.