Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, trooper. England's side may be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is fazed. There is one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Even now, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the parties will be long and loud.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than many current players started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure conducting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few followers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their story is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the Australians on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a tune about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of celebrations are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been happy to step away 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. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.