Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, fan. England's side may be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is fazed. Exists one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this band of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to endure a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Sight At the Ground

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often 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 chorus of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a few travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the opposition on top, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had grown significantly. The players, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the celebrations. This connection persists.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own issues, 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 growing percentage of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now in the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.