Even Bazball's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's squad could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is fazed. Exists one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since before the latest star started playing. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone knows how to weather a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Sight In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a king starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful backpackers were brought together in comical self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran recalls the eager expectation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the opposition on top, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a star invited a supporter up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. All kinds of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.