Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. England's squad might be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all in English cricket is disheartened. There is one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Formation Site

Even now, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – tourist followers will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before many current players were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to endure a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were united in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a song about the past. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. This connection remains.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.