Despite Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's side might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however some remain within the England setup is fazed. There is one unit ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to the latest star were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a royal figure starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful followers were united in comical humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so synonymous with the England cricket that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter backing the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had grown substantially. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a star summoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will accommodate a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.