Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's team might be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all in English cricket is deterred. Exists one group tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Anniversary City

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation started playing. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone knows how to endure a clean sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few backpackers were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the eager expectation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had increased significantly. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. This connection remains.

An Changing Operation

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of paying travellers. All kinds of activities are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and business acumen. The logic they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.