Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, trooper. England's squad could be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is deterred. Exists one group tailor-made for such a situation, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since prior to the latest star took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to weather a clean sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a king leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and visibility has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the early days.

One founding member still remembers the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect From Players

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter backing the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to direct the celebrations. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their official tours will host a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.