Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, trooper. England's side may be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – tourist followers will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to the latest star started playing. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who knows how to weather a series sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch conducting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were drawn together in comical mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about the past. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone following the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their numbers had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. That bond persists.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The explanation they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own complexities, especially 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 growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – like the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.