Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. England's squad could be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one collective ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather 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 by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players took the field. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Force At the Ground

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a king leading a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their rise of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the initial chants.

One original can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about the past. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the bigger venues their ranks had grown significantly. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. This connection remains.

An Changing Business

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host a large number of fans on tour. Numerous celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership 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 less offensive, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.