Despite Bazball's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's team may be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the ultimate experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to many current players started playing. They've witnessed more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to survive a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful followers were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had increased substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player beckoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie remains.

An Maturing Institution

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the sport as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of supporters. A variety of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it began a thriving business. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.