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

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad may be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size most vocal – away supporters will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they witnessed on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to weather a clean sweep, it's the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a monarch starting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those travelling with the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. When it came to the bigger venues their crowd had swelled substantially. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a supporter up to the players' area to lead the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Evolving Operation

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the sport as they are to host grounds. On this tour alone, their travel packages will accommodate a significant contingent of paying travellers. A variety of events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, particularly 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 growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been content to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.