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

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's team might be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Formation Site

Even now, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before a new generation were born. They've seen more spilled chances than star players have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who understand how to endure a clean sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and ubiquity has now masked quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were united in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a long way since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that formative tour. After the hosts making a strong start, he started a modest conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. As the tour reached the bigger venues their numbers had swelled to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. Such camaraderie remains.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate thousands of paying travellers. All kinds of events are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an group born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.