Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, soldier. England's side might be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one unit tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation were born. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to weather a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few followers were brought together in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the early days.

One founding member still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the later Tests their numbers had increased to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the festivities. This connection has endured.

An Evolving Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the sport as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their travel packages will host a large number of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now in the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.