Even Bazball's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's side may be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is disheartened. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are moving in on 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, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since before the latest star were born. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone comprehend how to survive a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a king leading a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were united in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Now their story is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about the past. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had increased substantially. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the players' area to lead the revelry. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will host thousands of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and commercial nous. The explanation they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock 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 respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.