Despite Bazball's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, trooper. England's squad may be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is deterred. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before the latest star started playing. They've observed more spilled chances than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to survive a clean sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a monarch leading a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how stunning their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were united in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their legacy is so linked with the national team that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the excited anticipation of the opening day of that formative tour. With the opposition on top, he started a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had grown substantially. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to join in the festivities. That bond remains.

An Evolving Business

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The explanation they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, who have been pleased to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.