Even Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. England's squad might be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone comprehend how to survive a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence At the Ground

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a monarch leading a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original can picture the eager expectation 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 song about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their ranks had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player summoned a supporter up to the players' area to direct the celebrations. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Institution

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," 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 mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – like the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.