Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, soldier. England's team could be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet some remain in English cricket is disheartened. There is one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Formation Site

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita noisiest – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who understand how to endure a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of history and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a small group travelling fans were united in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One founding member still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he led a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player invited a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. A variety of activities are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The explanation they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

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 leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – like the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.