Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's team could be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "however 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 battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since earlier than a new generation were born. They've observed more spilled chances than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to survive a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a king leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a small group followers were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their legacy is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the opposition on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a song about the past. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect From Players

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Business

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will host thousands of supporters. A variety of activities are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and business acumen. The logic they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.