Despite Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. England's squad could be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since earlier than many current players were born. They've witnessed more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence At the Ground

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a king leading a singing of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few followers were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a far since the early days.

One veteran still remembers the eager expectation of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had increased substantially. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star invited a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Evolving Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of supporters. Numerous celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, 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 won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.