Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, fan. England's team may be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to many current players started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to endure a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Presence At the Ground

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a handful followers were brought together in comical mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the initial chants.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. When it came to the bigger venues their ranks had grown substantially. The players, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host a large number of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it began a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been pleased to step away from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.