Even Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's side could be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is disheartened. Exists one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of failed hopes? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Historic Location

Already, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who comprehend how to endure a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a royal figure starting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now masked quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the hosts on top, he initiated a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about historical figures. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had grown substantially. The players, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a senior player beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. This connection remains.

An Maturing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will bring thousands of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.