Even Bazball's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's side could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is fazed. There is one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Even now, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's top-order failures since before many current players took the field. They've observed more spilled chances than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who comprehend how to survive a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Sight At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he started a modest conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a song about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

After an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.