'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the Ashes being over before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an supporter of the English team desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.
The group had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high about England's chances 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 prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.
Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."
"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."
Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Naturally, it's unfortunate we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."
"We'll enjoy spending the festive season overseas. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.