Even Bazball's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Courage, fan. Ben Stokes's side might be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one group tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Anniversary City

Already, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been enduring England's top-order failures since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to endure a series sweep, that would be the founding members.

A Highly Visible Force At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a fan dressed as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now masked quite how extraordinary their rise of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a few travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured humour about failure at England's poor away record. Today their legacy is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a long way since the early days.

One founding member still remembers the excited anticipation of the series start of that formative tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about the past. "Local crowds shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a team captain invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. That bond has endured.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the English game as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will host a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous activities are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now nearing middle age – similar to the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.