Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad could be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since earlier than a new generation were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone knows how to survive a clean sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence At the Ground

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were brought together in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he led a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Operation

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it began a thriving business. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the vocals 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 representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how challenging 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 series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.