'Everyone's giving me grief' about the series concluding before I get there.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also tour groups who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones heading for a special expedition.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The group had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
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 about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years 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. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
The Remaining Matches
When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Of course, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.