Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's side may be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet some remain among supporters is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Formation Site

As we speak, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to many current players took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to survive a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a monarch starting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the series start of that formative tour. With the hosts on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he recalls. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had swelled significantly. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now nearing the late 40s – similar to 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 supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.