Despite Bazball's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, soldier. England's side may be entering the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is fazed. There is one collective tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Formation Site

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since before a new generation took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to weather a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a king conducting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now masked quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the excited anticipation of the first Test of that pioneering tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he recalls. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a team captain invited a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster 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 paying travellers. Numerous activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an respected tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now in middle age – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.