Despite Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. England's team might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is disheartened. Exists one collective tailor-made for such a situation, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Historic Location

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most vocal – away supporters will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before a new generation were born. They've seen more dropped catches than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who comprehend how to survive a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Sight At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's poor away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown substantially. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the team balcony to join in the festivities. This connection has endured.

An Changing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of paying travellers. A variety of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it began a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.