Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's squad may be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is fazed. Exists one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Formation Site

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to weather a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Presence At the Ground

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a monarch starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how remarkable their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the opposition on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond persists.

An Changing Operation

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The logic they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now nearing middle age – like the original members, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.