Even Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Group of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's side could be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of failed hopes? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Formation Site

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet 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 group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before a new generation took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who knows how to endure a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a royal figure leading a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their rise of away support has been. Three decades ago a few followers were united in good-natured self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the opposition building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the later Tests their numbers had increased substantially. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a senior player beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to direct the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own issues, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.