Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. Ben Stokes's side may be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one unit ideally equipped for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to endure a clean sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a monarch conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone following the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their ranks had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a star invited a supporter up to the players' area to direct the revelry. This connection remains.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. All kinds of events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – like the pioneers, who have been content to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.