Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, fan. Ben Stokes's side could be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one unit ideally equipped for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most vocal – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since prior to the latest star took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to survive a series sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure conducting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their rise of away support has been. In the early 1990s a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a tune about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had grown significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star beckoned a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie remains.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a large number of supporters. A variety of celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.