'Everyone's giving me grief' about the series being over prior to my arrival.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
There are also organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.
However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."
Looking Ahead
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."
"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home over Christmas."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.