Even Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's team may be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that historic tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than the latest star were born. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to weather a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful travelling fans were drawn together in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the early days.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter backing the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the players' area to direct the festivities. This connection remains.

An Changing Business

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.