Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, trooper. Ben Stokes's squad could be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one collective ideally equipped for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very 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 Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before many current players took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a series sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now masked quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've definitely come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a tune about convicts. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the revelry. This connection persists.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their official tours will accommodate a large number of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been content to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.