'People keep ribbing me' about the series being over ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their residence in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
But they are now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their fans - 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" the five-day game for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the top order."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, Sam said: "It appears the Australians are superior right now."
"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."
Regardless of the result, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. This will be a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.