Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad may be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is deterred. There is one collective ideally equipped for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City

Already, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than key pacemen have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone knows how to weather a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, as a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a rendition of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and ubiquity has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the early days.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he led a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a song about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect From Players

After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Those following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had grown substantially. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player invited a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the celebrations. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Changing Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will host thousands of fans on tour. Numerous activities are planned for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing the late 40s – like the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the faint hope of a series victory remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.