Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, soldier. England's team might be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is disheartened. Exists one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Formation Site

Even now, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be protracted and hearty.

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

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to many current players took the field. They've witnessed more spilled chances than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to survive a clean sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a monarch leading a singing of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and omnipresence has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group followers were brought together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a star invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of fans on tour. A variety of activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to step away from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.