Even Bazball's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. England's side may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one unit ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation were born. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who knows how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Presence At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group followers were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those travelling with the team around the country surely was slightly mad. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a senior player invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. This connection remains.

An Evolving Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host thousands of supporters. A variety of events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "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 England's plight, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.