Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. England's side could be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is disheartened. There is one group tailor-made for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Historic Location

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players started playing. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to endure a series sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a king leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and visibility has now obscured quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a few followers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had increased significantly. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a team captain invited a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. This connection remains.

An Changing Operation

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host a large number of paying travellers. Numerous activities are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a thriving business. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, 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 populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.