Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to weather a whitewash, it's the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Sight On Screen

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now masked quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians on top, he led a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a song about historical figures. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those travelling with the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to lead the revelry. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous celebrations are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.