Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. England's side could be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all among supporters is fazed. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Formation Site

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to endure a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure leading a rendition of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the opposition on top, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about the past. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their ranks had swelled substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the players' area to join in the festivities. This connection persists.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will bring a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The explanation they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.