Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's squad might be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since prior to the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone comprehend how to survive a whitewash, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the early days.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a song about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "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 must have been truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had increased significantly. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. That bond persists.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of fans on tour. A variety of events are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.