Even Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, trooper. England's team may be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is deterred. Exists one collective ideally equipped for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

Even now, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before many current players started playing. They've seen more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who comprehend how to weather a clean sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of history and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Now their story is so linked with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran still remembers the eager expectation of the first Test of that formative tour. After the hosts on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect From Players

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had swelled substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Business

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a large number of fans on tour. A variety of activities are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The logic they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in middle age – similar to the original members, who have been happy to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.