Even Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. England's team might be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is deterred. Exists one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before many current players were born. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who knows how to endure a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a royal figure leading a singing of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were united in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the later Tests their numbers had swelled substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a team captain invited a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. This connection persists.

An Maturing Operation

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a large number of fans on tour. Numerous celebrations are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and business acumen. The explanation they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an respected travel company.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the faint hope of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.