Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, fan. Ben Stokes's side may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one unit ideally equipped for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star took the field. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who knows how to survive a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were drawn together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it began a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management 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 absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.