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

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's side might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is disheartened. There is one collective tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the ultimate doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Even now, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to many current players started playing. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who comprehend how to weather a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Highly Visible Sight In Coverage

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a handful travelling fans were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One original can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had grown substantially. The players, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a senior player beckoned a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the revelry. Such camaraderie persists.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an respected tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – mirroring the pioneers, who have been pleased to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.