Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. Ben Stokes's team could be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that historic tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this band of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since prior to many current players took the field. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who comprehend how to survive a series sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Force In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a king conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their takeover of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the hosts on top, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter following the team around the country surely was slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the revelry. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Operation

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the sport as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will host a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The logic they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.