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

Courage, trooper. England's squad may be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all in English cricket is deterred. Exists one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to a new generation were born. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who comprehend how to endure a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Presence In Coverage

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a king starting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Now their story is so synonymous with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One veteran recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts on top, he initiated a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about the past. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. This connection remains.

An Maturing Operation

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the sport as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous celebrations are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching middle age – like the pioneers, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.