Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, trooper. England's side may be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however some remain in English cricket is fazed. There is one unit ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the supreme masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been incredibly 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 a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star took the field. They've witnessed more fielding errors than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to weather a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a monarch leading a rendition of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were drawn together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country surely was slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the festivities. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will host thousands of paying travellers. Numerous events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.