Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. England's squad may be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however some remain among supporters is disheartened. Exists one collective perfectly suited for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Formation Site

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone comprehend how to survive a series sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've definitely come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the Australians making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had grown significantly. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. All kinds of activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous 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 cleaner, 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 in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.