Even Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's squad may be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of failed hopes? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

Even now, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone comprehend how to endure a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Even the players on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure leading a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were united in good-natured humour about failure at England's poor away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One original can picture the eager expectation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a song about convicts. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Maturing Business

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The explanation they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.