Despite Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's team might be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is fazed. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the ultimate masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since before the latest star took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who comprehend how to survive a whitewash, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their rise of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he led a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Maturing Business

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their organised trips will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were common 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 within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – like the original members, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.