Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, soldier. England's team might be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation started playing. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a clean sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a monarch leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were brought together in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original recalls the eager expectation of the series start of that formative tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie remains.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now in middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.