Even Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, soldier. England's side may be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is fazed. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to many current players started playing. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who comprehend how to weather a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Force In Coverage

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the early days.

One original recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the hosts on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will bring thousands of paying travellers. A variety of events are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been content to withdraw 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. "We forget how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.