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

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad might be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is fazed. There is one group tailor-made for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone knows how to weather a whitewash, it's the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a king conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were drawn together in comical mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts on top, he led a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown substantially. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to direct the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Institution

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.