Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, soldier. England's side may be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since prior to many current players were born. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, it's the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the early days.

One original recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had increased significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain invited a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. This connection remains.

An Maturing Institution

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their official tours will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been content to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – 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 smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.