Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, soldier. England's team might be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective ideally equipped for such a situation, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Formation Site

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to survive a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence On Screen

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a royal figure leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were united in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the Australians on top, he led a small conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about the past. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had increased significantly. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the celebrations. This connection has endured.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will bring thousands of supporters. Numerous celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the original members, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.