Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad may be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all among supporters is deterred. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since prior to a new generation were born. They've observed more spilled chances than key pacemen have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to endure a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Sight On Screen

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few followers were united in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unique" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One original recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the Australians making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled substantially. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the celebrations. This connection persists.

An Evolving Business

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of supporters. All kinds of activities are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a lasting enterprise. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.