Despite Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's side may be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one unit tailor-made for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – tourist followers will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion doesn't trouble this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players started playing. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.

A Ubiquitous Presence On Screen

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a king leading a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and ubiquity has now masked quite how extraordinary their dominance of away support has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were united in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but establishment itself. They've definitely come a great distance since the early days.

One veteran still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he initiated a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation From Players

Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their ranks had increased to the hundreds. The players, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to direct the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Evolving Institution

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring thousands of supporters. A variety of celebrations are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Evolution

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 quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the daily operation. 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 challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.