Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, fan. England's team may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is disheartened. There is one unit tailor-made for this scenario, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than many current players were born. They've observed more dropped catches than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to survive a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a monarch leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain invited a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie remains.

An Evolving Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.