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

Courage, soldier. England's side might be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all among supporters is fazed. Exists one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Historic Location

Even now, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before many current players were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to survive a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a monarch leading a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Operation

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of paying travellers. All kinds of events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.