Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. England's side might be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before the latest star were born. They've seen more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a whitewash, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a king starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a chant about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The logic they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a significant portion of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, 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 insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.