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

Courage, trooper. England's squad might be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is fazed. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Even now, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who knows how to weather a whitewash, it's the founding members.

A Highly Visible Sight On Screen

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a king conducting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few travelling fans were united in good-natured humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a chant about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player invited a supporter up to the team balcony to direct the celebrations. This connection persists.

An Changing Business

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of supporters. All kinds of activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, 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?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.