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

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's side may be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however some remain among supporters is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than many current players started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to weather a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a monarch conducting a singing of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member still remembers the eager expectation of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. After the hosts on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had grown significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a significant contingent of supporters. A variety of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the impossible dream of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.