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

Take heart, trooper. England's side could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one unit ideally equipped for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to a new generation were born. They've seen more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to endure a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were drawn together in comical humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts on top, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a song about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had swelled significantly. The players, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the English game as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will host thousands of fans on tour. Numerous events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget 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!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.