Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, trooper. England's squad could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation started playing. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to endure a whitewash, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a king leading a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were united in good-natured self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the Australians on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will host thousands of paying travellers. Numerous celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 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 individually, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.