Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. England's squad might be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one collective ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation started playing. They've seen more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who comprehend how to survive a series sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a monarch leading a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group followers were united in good-natured humour about failure at England's poor away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the Australians on top, he led a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the bigger venues their numbers had grown significantly. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the revelry. This connection persists.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will bring thousands of supporters. A variety of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The logic they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now nearing middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult 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 England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.