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

Steady, trooper. England's team might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is disheartened. There is one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most raucous – tourist followers will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since before many current players took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to endure a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Sight At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure leading a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few followers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their legacy is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had swelled significantly. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a team captain invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to lead the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the English game as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will host a large number of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason 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 major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now in middle age – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.