Despite Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. England's team might be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since before a new generation started playing. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who comprehend how to survive a series sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Sight At the Ground

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a monarch conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few followers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the England cricket that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a star invited a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of paying travellers. Numerous events are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been happy to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.