Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. Ben Stokes's team could be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is deterred. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Historic Location

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Sight At the Ground

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners often use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a king starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a chant about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the festivities. That bond persists.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of supporters. All kinds of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading 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 management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been content to distance themselves 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 online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "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 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.