Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. England's team may be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is fazed. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Already, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to many current players took the field. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a series sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a singing of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he led a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a song about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect From Players

After defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had increased substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a star invited a supporter up to the players' area to join in the revelry. This connection persists.

An Maturing Institution

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will bring thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – 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, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond 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 times have changed, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.