Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's team might be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is deterred. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before many current players took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone comprehend how to weather a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a monarch starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were united in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he led a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a tune about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

After an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player invited a supporter up to the players' area to direct the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will accommodate a large number of fans on tour. A variety of activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it began a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – like the original members, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.