Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, fan. England's side might be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount noisiest – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before the latest star took the field. They've observed more spilled chances than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to survive a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence At the Ground

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of history and ubiquity has now masked quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the hosts on top, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. As the tour reached the bigger venues their ranks had increased significantly. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player beckoned a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Operation

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the English game as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their official tours will accommodate a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous events are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans 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 correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing the late 40s – like the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.