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

Courage, trooper. England's team could be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Formation Site

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, off it the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to many current players started playing. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to endure a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Presence In Coverage

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a small group backpackers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their legacy is so synonymous with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had increased significantly. The players, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the sport as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it launched a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.