'People keep ribbing me' about the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower ask for?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.
"All my colleagues has been making comments regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.
The England team - and their fans - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for followers of the team.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."
"It will require more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."
Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.
"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.
