Even Bazball's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, soldier. England's squad may be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is fazed. There is one collective tailor-made for such a situation, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most raucous – away supporters will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to weather a whitewash, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a king starting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the early days.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a song about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had grown significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. This connection remains.

An Evolving Operation

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will bring thousands of paying travellers. A variety of events are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.