Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. Ben Stokes's side could be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective tailor-made for this scenario, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most vocal – away supporters will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to many current players started playing. They've seen more fielding errors than some bowlers have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who knows how to survive a clean sweep, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a royal figure starting a singing of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a few followers were drawn together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. In the present day their legacy is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One veteran recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a tune about the past. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone travelling with the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to lead the festivities. That bond persists.

An Evolving Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will host thousands of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The reason they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an major travel company.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are quick to note that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now nearing their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.