Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, fan. England's squad could be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – 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, off it the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since before the latest star were born. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure leading a rendition of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were drawn together in comical humour about failure at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a great distance since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter backing the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Maturing Business

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of supporters. All kinds of events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now nearing middle age – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.