Even Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, trooper. Ben Stokes's side could be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain among supporters is disheartened. Exists one unit tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Historic Location

Even now, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most vocal – away supporters will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who knows how to endure a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Sight At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group followers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had increased substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a significant contingent of supporters. All kinds of events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing middle age – like the original members, who have been happy 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. "We forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.