Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, fan. England's team might be heading into the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is deterred. There is one unit ideally equipped for this scenario, a unwavering unit who are arguably the supreme masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's batting collapse since before many current players took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who understand how to weather a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a king conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how stunning their rise of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their vibrant, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One original recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. After the Australians on top, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the home fans with a chant about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had increased to the hundreds. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie has endured.

An Evolving Institution

Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will host thousands of supporters. A variety of events are planned for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering branded clothing. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it began a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their clientele are now women. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The mean age of fans is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the pioneers, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a historic comeback persists, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.