Even Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Courage, fan. England's squad might be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the ultimate experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Historic Location

Even now, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be protracted and hearty.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star were born. They've witnessed more dropped catches than key pacemen have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to survive a whitewash, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight At the Ground

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, with someone clad as a king conducting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now masked quite how extraordinary their rise of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were drawn together in good-natured self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Today their reputation is so intertwined with the England cricket that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One founding member can picture the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. With the hosts building a solid score, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about historical figures. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we sometimes receive today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. When it came to the later Tests their crowd had swelled significantly. The players, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a star invited a fan leader up to the team balcony to lead the revelry. That bond persists.

An Changing Operation

But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of fans on tour. All kinds of activities are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a group of mates into an respected travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things 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 individually, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now in middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "We used to do it all by shouting – '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. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.