Despite Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. England's squad may be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone within the England setup is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

As we speak, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since prior to a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a monarch starting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. By the time the later Tests their numbers had increased substantially. The players, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a large number of paying travellers. A variety of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Language 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 will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.