Even Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's team could be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not all in English cricket is deterred. Exists one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Formation Site

As we speak, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties 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 likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to many current players took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone comprehend how to survive a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few followers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the opening day of that formative tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about the past. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a supporter up to the players' area to lead the revelry. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Operation

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will host thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

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