Even Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Steady, trooper. England's side could be heading into the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is disheartened. Exists one unit perfectly suited for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who are arguably the quintessential masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Formation Site

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's top-order failures since earlier than the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more fielding errors than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone knows how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a royal figure leading a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few backpackers were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's poor away record. Now their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One veteran still remembers the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a song about convicts. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour continued to struggle. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had grown significantly. The players, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a team captain beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as appealing to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous events are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it began a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments 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 in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now in middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.