Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. England's side could be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet some remain in English cricket is fazed. There is one group tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the ultimate doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since prior to a new generation started playing. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to endure a series sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Sight On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a monarch starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a handful travelling fans were brought together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a far since the early days.

One veteran recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the revelry. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Business

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an respected tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own issues, 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 growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now nearing middle age – like the pioneers, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.