Even Bazball's Collapse, this Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's team may be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain in English cricket is fazed. There is one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita noisiest – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, like the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the lucky ones, 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 seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to survive a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their takeover of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a small group followers were drawn together in comical humour about failure at England's poor away record. Now their reputation is so intertwined with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've definitely come a far since the early days.

One founding member recalls the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the hosts on top, he initiated a small conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a tune about the past. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country must have been slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to join in the festivities. That bond remains.

An Changing Institution

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. Numerous events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an group born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it began a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now nearing middle age – similar to the original members, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.