Despite Bazball's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. England's squad might be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one collective perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since before many current players took the field. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who knows how to endure a series sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were united in comical self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that formative tour. With the opposition on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a song about convicts. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Maturing Institution

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of fans on tour. A variety of events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.