Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. England's team might be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is deterred. Exists one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before many current players were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to survive a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. TV directors at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a small group backpackers were united in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a tune about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone following the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their crowd had grown significantly. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a supporter up to the team balcony to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous activities are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the songs 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 won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.