Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, trooper. England's team might be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is deterred. Exists one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the ultimate doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "however 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 seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who understand how to weather a whitewash, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch leading a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had swelled substantially. The players, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their official tours will accommodate a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous activities are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. 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 immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.