Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's squad could be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one unit perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players started playing. They've seen more spilled chances than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to weather a series sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a king leading a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Now their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had grown substantially. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. That bond persists.

An Changing Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will bring a large number of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it began a thriving business. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.