Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, fan. England's team might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one unit tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation were born. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who comprehend how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a monarch starting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One veteran still remembers the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country must have been slightly mad. When it came to the later Tests their numbers had swelled substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player beckoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of paying travellers. Numerous events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – like the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.