'People keep ribbing me' over the series concluding prior to my arrival.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are organized trips who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."
"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"We are going to have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.
