Even Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.

Steady, trooper. England's side might be heading into the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone in English cricket is fazed. There is one unit perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita noisiest – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Even a spectacular team failure fails to deter this band of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to many current players took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their personal stats as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone knows how to weather a series sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force On Screen

Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, with a fan dressed as a monarch starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of history and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the opposition on top, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country surely was slightly mad. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had grown to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a star summoned a supporter up to the players' area to lead the celebrations. That bond persists.

An Maturing Operation

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 paying travellers. Numerous activities are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The logic they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The mean age of fans is now in the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been pleased to withdraw from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.