Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. England's squad could be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is deterred. Exists one group tailor-made for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to many current players took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a series sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a supporter portraying a royal figure conducting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so linked with the England cricket that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the initial chants.

One original recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the Australians making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a chant about historical figures. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had increased substantially. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it began a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage 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 absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't 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 become more sedate? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.