Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's team may be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet some remain within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this band of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who knows how to weather a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight At the Ground

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a king conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a small group travelling fans were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host thousands of fans on tour. Numerous activities are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.