Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, fan. England's squad could be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably 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 innings meltdowns since earlier than the latest star took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who understand how to endure a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a king conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group travelling fans were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Today their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their crowd had swelled substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will host a large number of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The explanation they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own issues, particularly 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 supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been content to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.