'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding prior to my arrival.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes 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 leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have a large group flying out for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as families and friends embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.
"People in the office has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for followers of the team.
Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. This will be a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.