Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's side might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one collective ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Historic Location

Already, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before many current players took the field. They've seen more spilled chances than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone understand how to weather a series sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were drawn together in good-natured humour about failure at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the early days.

One original can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he led a small conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to direct the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their official tours will host thousands of fans on tour. Numerous activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't 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 evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.