Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Steady, fan. England's team might be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is deterred. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to a new generation were born. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to weather a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Sight At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a monarch starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were united in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that formative tour. After the Australians on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country surely was slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. That bond has endured.

An Changing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been content to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.