Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's side may be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one collective perfectly suited for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the ultimate doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since earlier than the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone understand how to weather a series sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a monarch conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of endurance and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were united in good-natured humour about failure at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the initial chants.

One founding member still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the later Tests their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. That bond remains.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of paying travellers. A variety of activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. 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 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 derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now nearing the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a series victory remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.