Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, soldier. England's team may be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've seen more spilled chances than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to endure a whitewash, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a monarch starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were brought together in comical mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the early days.

One original can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that formative tour. After the hosts on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had swelled significantly. The squad, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. This connection remains.

An Evolving Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of events are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.