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

Steady, fan. England's squad may be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation were born. They've observed more spilled chances than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who understand how to endure a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a royal figure starting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and ubiquity has now masked quite how remarkable their rise of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were united in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a song about convicts. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player beckoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to join in the revelry. This connection remains.

An Evolving Institution

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 paying travellers. A variety of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," 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 offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – similar to the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.