Even Bazball's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's squad might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone in English cricket is deterred. Exists one unit ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who can lay claim to be the ultimate doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

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 per capita most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, 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 observing England's top-order failures since before many current players were born. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who comprehend how to weather a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence At the Ground

Certainly, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a royal figure conducting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group travelling fans were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's poor away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he started a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about the past. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. As the tour reached the later Tests their ranks had increased to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the festivities. This connection remains.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will bring a significant contingent of supporters. A variety of activities are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The logic they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their clientele are now female. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, 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 approaching their fifth decade – like the pioneers, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how challenging it used to be to coordinate 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 series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.