Even Bazball's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's side could be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is fazed. Exists one group tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the quintessential masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

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 raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this band of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before a new generation took the field. They've seen more spilled chances than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a clean sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of history and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had grown substantially. The players, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Evolving Operation

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate a large number of paying travellers. Numerous events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been happy to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.