Even Bazball's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's side might be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one unit ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone knows how to survive a clean sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a king leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were united in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the hosts on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had increased significantly. The squad, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star beckoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will accommodate a large number of paying travellers. A variety of events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it began a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now in middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.