Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's side may be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is deterred. Exists one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the parties will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since earlier than many current players started playing. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to endure a whitewash, it's the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a king leading a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of away support has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were drawn together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the early days.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond persists.

An Maturing Operation

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will accommodate a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous celebrations are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.