Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Crew of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. England's team could be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is disheartened. There is one collective ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – away supporters will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since prior to a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who comprehend how to survive a clean sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a king leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group backpackers were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled significantly. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. That bond persists.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of supporters. All kinds of events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a commercial operation. From that point, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own complexities, especially 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 travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.