Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's side could be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however some remain within the England setup is deterred. There is one group ideally equipped for this scenario, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been incredibly disappointing," one founder concedes, "however we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players were born. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to survive a clean sweep, they are the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over in this contest. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a chorus of a well-known tune.

From Fans to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a small group travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Now their story is so intertwined with the England cricket that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their ranks had increased to the hundreds. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star summoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the festivities. This connection remains.

An Evolving Operation

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the English game as they are to international stadiums. For this series alone, their organised trips will bring a large number of supporters. A variety of events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The logic they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it sparked a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now approaching middle age – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.