Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. England's side could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all in English cricket is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Already, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very 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 Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before many current players were born. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who knows how to endure a series sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a monarch conducting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original recalls the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters jeered 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 joined in."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a supporter up to the players' area to join in the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the sport as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host thousands of supporters. A variety of celebrations are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – like the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.