Despite Bazball's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. England's team may be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force On Screen

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a king conducting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Maturing Business

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their official tours will host thousands of supporters. A variety of events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.