Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, trooper. England's side might be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Anniversary City

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since before a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more spilled chances than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to endure a whitewash, that would be the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a monarch starting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were drawn together in comical mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've definitely come a far since the early days.

One original recalls the eager expectation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the opposition on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a tune about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their crowd had swelled substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond remains.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. All kinds of events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, who have been happy to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "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 this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.