Despite Bazball's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's side could be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all in English cricket is fazed. There is one group tailor-made for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Formation Site

Already, 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 raucous – tourist followers will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be long and loud.

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

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone knows how to endure a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the excited anticipation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the Australians on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about the past. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those following the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the players' area to lead the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host thousands of supporters. Numerous events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, 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 offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.