Despite Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Take heart, trooper. Ben Stokes's team might be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one group tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the parties will be long and loud.

"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 a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to endure a clean sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were brought together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. In the present day their story is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that formative tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a song about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. When it came to the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the revelry. This connection has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host thousands of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Considerations

That carries 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 leadership are quick to note that a significant portion of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how difficult 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 England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.