Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. England's squad could be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – tourist followers will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who knows how to weather a whitewash, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the players on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a king leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled substantially. The players, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the festivities. This connection persists.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of fans on tour. Numerous activities are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in the late 40s – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.