Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, soldier. England's squad might be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is fazed. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the ultimate doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be long and loud.

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

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this crew of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before many current players took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who comprehend how to weather a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force At the Ground

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a monarch starting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful travelling fans were united in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One veteran can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the festivities. This connection persists.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a large number of supporters. All kinds of events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in middle age – like the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.