'People keep ribbing me' about the series finishing prior to my arrival.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
That will not be happening during this tour, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
The Barmy Army, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends heading for a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their house 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."
Fading Positivity
Hope was abundant about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.
But they are now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all is about psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. This will be our first experience abroad over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to rely on," she finished.