Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's side might be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is deterred. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely 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 top-order failures since earlier than the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to weather a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a few followers were drawn together in comical mockery of their team at England's poor away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've definitely come a long way since the early days.

One original recalls the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had grown to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Institution

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their travel packages will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now nearing the late 40s – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.