Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. England's squad may be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is fazed. Exists one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to endure a clean sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Presence At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were drawn together in comical mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the eager expectation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the opposition on top, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. When it came to the later Tests their numbers had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the players' area to direct the revelry. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their official tours will bring a significant contingent of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things 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 will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.