Even Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, fan. England's side might be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one group tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Formation Site

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – tourist followers will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since earlier than a new generation were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who knows how to survive a whitewash, it's the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the players on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a king starting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were united in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One founding member still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he led a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a tune about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had increased to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the festivities. That bond persists.

An Maturing Business

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The logic they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.