'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes being over before I get there.
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 reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group making the journey for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects 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 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."
"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.
"We will have a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Naturally, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to turn to," she added.