Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, fan. England's side might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however some remain within the England setup is disheartened. There is one collective ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to many current players were born. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who comprehend how to survive a whitewash, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence In Coverage

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone following the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Operation

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of paying travellers. A variety of events are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The explanation they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.