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

Take heart, soldier. England's team might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is deterred. Exists one group 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 crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be protracted and hearty.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star took the field. They've witnessed more fielding errors than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who comprehend how to weather a series sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure starting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. In the present day their legacy is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One veteran can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that formative tour. After the opposition on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about the past. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those backing the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the revelry. This connection persists.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their official tours will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, 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 significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.