Even Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. England's team could be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one unit ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been extremely 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 spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to a new generation started playing. They've witnessed more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to endure a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a king starting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the opening day of that formative tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had increased significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the festivities. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it began a thriving business. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, 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 representative. "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?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now approaching their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.