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

Courage, soldier. England's squad might be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain among supporters is deterred. Exists one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they saw on that historic tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a monarch starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the excited anticipation of the opening day of that formative tour. With the Australians on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about convicts. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had grown to the hundreds. The players, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a team captain invited a supporter up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Institution

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of supporters. Numerous activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language 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 individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now nearing middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult 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!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.