Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, soldier. England's side might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is deterred. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who are arguably the ultimate doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, 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 first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who understand how to survive a series sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras 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. Even the players on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a king starting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country must have been slightly mad. When it came to the bigger venues their ranks had increased to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a senior player beckoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. That bond remains.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," 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 insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now in middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.