Even Bazball's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, fan. England's team might be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one unit ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – tourist followers will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since earlier than the latest star took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to weather a clean sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a monarch conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so linked with the England cricket that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've definitely come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the Australians on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to direct the celebrations. That bond remains.

An Maturing Business

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will bring a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous events are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The explanation they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," 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 offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult 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!'"

Regarding the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.