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

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's side may be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is fazed. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they saw on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to a new generation took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone comprehend how to survive a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the players' area to join in the festivities. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Evolving Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. A variety of events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it began a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected travel company.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now nearing the late 40s – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.