Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, trooper. England's team might be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since before a new generation took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to survive a clean sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a king conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were united in wry humour about failure at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the initial chants.

One veteran still remembers the excited anticipation of the opening day of that formative tour. After the Australians making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a senior player beckoned a fan leader up to the players' area to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of supporters. Numerous celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.