Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's team might be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is deterred. There is one collective tailor-made for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the supreme experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to many current players took the field. They've witnessed more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to survive a series sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a king starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the eager expectation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about the past. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had swelled substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Evolving Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it began a commercial operation. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now in middle age – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.