Even Bazball's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Courage, fan. Ben Stokes's team might be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain in English cricket is disheartened. There is one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Anniversary City

Even now, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since before a new generation started playing. They've seen more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to weather a series sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Sight In Coverage

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a monarch leading a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and omnipresence has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were united in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've definitely come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had increased to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the players' area to join in the revelry. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Maturing Operation

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will bring thousands of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the chants 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 representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.