'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes finishing prior to my arrival.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
The Ryding siblings are among those affected.
The group had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
But they are now facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"All analysts points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side right now."
"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. This will be a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.