Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's side may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective tailor-made for such a situation, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since prior to many current players took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to survive a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a royal figure starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few followers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. That bond has endured.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a large number of fans on tour. A variety of activities are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.