Even Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, trooper. England's team could be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one unit perfectly suited for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

Even now, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than many current players were born. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to weather a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a king starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful travelling fans were united in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters jeered 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 joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had grown significantly. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will bring thousands of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been content to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "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 shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.