Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, trooper. England's team may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star were born. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who understand how to weather a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a monarch starting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Fans to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a handful travelling fans were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Today their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

Following an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the revelry. That bond remains.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate a significant contingent of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now in middle age – mirroring the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.