Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Courage, trooper. Ben Stokes's squad could be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is deterred. Exists one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of failed hopes? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most vocal – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this band of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who understand how to survive a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Sight In Coverage

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a supporter portraying a monarch starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a few travelling fans were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a modest conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a song about historical figures. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had increased significantly. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will host a large number of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and financially rewarding – that it began a thriving business. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," 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 insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been content to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.