Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Steady, trooper. England's team might be approaching the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one collective tailor-made for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since before the latest star were born. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to survive a series sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Even the players on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a monarch conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a handful travelling fans were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their legacy is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unique" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One founding member still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the Australians on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a song about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone travelling with the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had swelled significantly. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a senior player invited a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the revelry. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate a large number of supporters. All kinds of activities are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – 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 Considerations

That brings its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.