Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's side might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is deterred. There is one unit perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

Even now, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita noisiest – tourist followers will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since earlier than many current players were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, as a supporter portraying a king conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One original can picture the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a song about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

Following an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a team captain invited a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The explanation they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now approaching middle age – like the original members, who have been content to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the faint hope of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.