Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, trooper. England's side might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is deterred. There is one unit perfectly suited for this scenario, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been incredibly 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 dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to endure a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear keener to feature 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 someone clad as a monarch conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of away support has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were united in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to lead the festivities. This connection persists.

An Changing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. Numerous events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The logic they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't 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 become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.