Despite Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Steady, trooper. England's team might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star were born. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to survive a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ever-Present Force On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a few travelling fans were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've definitely come a far since the early days.

One veteran recalls the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the opposition on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Maturing Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the songs 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 director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how challenging 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!'"

Regarding the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.