Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's team could be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is disheartened. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since before the latest star were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone understand how to endure a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a king conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Fans to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of away support has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a team captain beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. That bond remains.

An Maturing Operation

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of paying travellers. A variety of activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.