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

Steady, trooper. England's team could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone within the England setup is fazed. Exists one group tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star were born. They've observed more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to endure a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force On Screen

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a king starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and visibility has now masked quite how stunning their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's poor away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a tune about the past. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect From Players

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their official tours will host a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," 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 insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.