Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, trooper. England's team might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is fazed. Exists one group tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the supreme experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount noisiest – away supporters will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation started playing. They've witnessed more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who knows how to endure a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a monarch starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of away support has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were united in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about convicts. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player beckoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their official tours will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of events are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an respected tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries 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 keen to point out that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – similar to 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 young professionals to run the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.