Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, trooper. Ben Stokes's team might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is deterred. There is one group tailor-made for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than the latest star took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who knows how to survive a series sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a monarch starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few travelling fans were united in comical humour about failure at England's poor away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about historical figures. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had grown substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to join in the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host a large number of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.