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

Steady, trooper. England's team could be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of failed hopes? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before many current players were born. They've witnessed more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to endure a clean sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a king starting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were united in comical humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the players' area to direct the festivities. This connection persists.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will host thousands of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, notably 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 significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing their fifth decade – like the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.