Even Bazball's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, soldier. England's squad could be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet some remain within the England setup is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Move In on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – tourist followers will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who knows how to survive a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a handful travelling fans were united in comical self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the Australians making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a song about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone following the team around the country was considered slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their numbers had swelled significantly. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to direct the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Business

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the English game as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an group born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a thriving business. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing their fifth decade – like the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.