Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before a new generation started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than star players have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to survive a whitewash, that would be the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a king starting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a far since the early days.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that formative tour. With the opposition on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about convicts. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of supporters. Numerous celebrations are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "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 average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.