Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's team could be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is fazed. There is one unit tailor-made for such a situation, a dedicated unit who are arguably the ultimate masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Anniversary City

Already, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before many current players took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone understand how to weather a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence At the Ground

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a monarch leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their takeover of away support has been. In the early 1990s a small group followers were brought together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a song about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the revelry. This connection remains.

An Maturing Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The explanation they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now approaching middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.