Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one unit perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who are arguably the quintessential masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to many current players took the field. They've witnessed more spilled chances than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who understand how to survive a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful travelling fans were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. This connection remains.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't 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 evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.