Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's team could be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one unit perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've seen more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who knows how to endure a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a monarch leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were united in comical self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that formative tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he led a small conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond persists.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of celebrations are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and business acumen. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now nearing middle age – like the pioneers, 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 challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.