Even Bazball's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's team may be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is fazed. Exists one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they saw on that historic tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who knows how to survive a clean sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure conducting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the opposition on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had swelled substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a senior player invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Evolving Business

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a large number of paying travellers. A variety of activities are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it began a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own issues, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how difficult 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!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.