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

Take heart, fan. England's squad might be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "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 fails to deter this crew of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's top-order failures since before a new generation started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than star players have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to survive a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful travelling fans were united in comical mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. With the hosts on top, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. When it came to the later Tests their ranks had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Changing Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, especially 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 sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.