Even Bazball's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Steady, soldier. England's side could be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all among supporters is fazed. There is one unit perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Anniversary City

Even now, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – tourist followers will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's 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."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to many current players took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who understand how to endure a series sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a royal figure starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One founding member still remembers the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their numbers had swelled to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to direct the celebrations. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host thousands of paying travellers. All kinds of events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.