Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's team may be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the ultimate experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Anniversary City

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the lucky ones, 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 seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone comprehend how to weather a whitewash, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were brought together in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the hosts on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to direct the festivities. This connection has endured.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the English game as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of supporters. All kinds of activities are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching middle age – mirroring the original members, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.