Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, trooper. England's squad could be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is deterred. There is one collective tailor-made for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this crew of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation were born. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were brought together in comical mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've certainly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. As the tour reached the bigger venues their numbers had grown substantially. The players, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will bring a large number of fans on tour. Numerous activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. 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 pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the chants 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 spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.