Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Steady, soldier. England's team may be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is fazed. There is one group tailor-made for this scenario, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to many current players were born. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to endure a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a monarch leading a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Now their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he led a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. When it came to the later Tests their ranks had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of supporters. Numerous activities are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of love for the game and business acumen. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.