Even Bazball's Downfall, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, soldier. England's squad might be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however some remain within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one group tailor-made for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most raucous – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before many current players were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who understand how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a monarch leading a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that formative tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he led a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown to the hundreds. The players, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the revelry. This connection persists.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of supporters. Numerous events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.