Even Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's team could be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is deterred. Exists one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Even now, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita noisiest – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's 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 a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's batting collapse since earlier than many current players started playing. They've seen more spilled chances than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a king starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were united in comical mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a chant about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to direct the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a large number of fans on tour. Numerous events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.