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

Steady, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita noisiest – tourist followers will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to survive a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a king leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the early days.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a modest conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a chant about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the later Tests their numbers had increased to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a star beckoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Business

Additionally, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of fans on tour. A variety of events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, 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 will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.