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

Courage, fan. England's squad might be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain in English cricket is disheartened. There is one unit ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – away supporters will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since before a new generation took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to survive a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure conducting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the Australians on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of supporters. All kinds of events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.