Even Bazball's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's team might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is disheartened. There is one unit perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than the latest star started playing. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who comprehend how to weather a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, as a supporter portraying a royal figure conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a few travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. With the opposition on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had increased significantly. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player beckoned a supporter up to the players' area to lead the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a large number of supporters. A variety of events are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own complexities, 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 supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – like the pioneers, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.