Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, soldier. England's team may be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is fazed. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone comprehend how to survive a whitewash, that would be the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Presence At the Ground

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a royal figure leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of away support has been. Three decades ago a few followers were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the Australians making a strong start, he started a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. By the time the later Tests their ranks had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to direct the festivities. This connection persists.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous celebrations are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 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 within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been content to step away from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.