Even Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, trooper. England's squad could be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not all among supporters is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the ultimate doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

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 for their size most raucous – tourist followers will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

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

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before many current players were born. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who comprehend how to endure a series sweep, it's the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a king leading a chorus of a national hymn.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group travelling fans were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's poor away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a song about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. When it came to the later Tests their ranks had swelled significantly. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the players' area to direct the revelry. This connection has endured.

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. On this tour alone, their travel packages will host a large number of fans on tour. All kinds of celebrations are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it launched a lasting enterprise. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own issues, notably 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 significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been content to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the faint hope of a series victory remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.