Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. Ben Stokes's side might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to many current players started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who knows how to endure a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more focused on 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 fan dressed as a monarch leading a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Now their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain invited a supporter up to the team balcony to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Maturing Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of supporters. Numerous celebrations are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now in middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.