Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. England's side may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is fazed. Exists one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a dedicated unit who consider themselves the ultimate experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of failed hopes? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Converge on an Formation Site

Even now, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been very, very disappointing," he admits, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's innings meltdowns since before many current players started playing. They've seen more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone understand how to survive a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Force At the Ground

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be all over during this Ashes. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as someone clad as a king starting a singing of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of history and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. In the early 1990s a few followers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their legacy is so linked with the national team that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran can picture the buoyant hope of the first Test of that pioneering tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he started a small conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a chant about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Respect On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Any supporter following the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had increased substantially. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the victory celebration to join in the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Evolving Business

Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the sport as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will accommodate a large number of paying travellers. Numerous events are planned for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an industry-leading travel company.

Modern Evolution

That brings its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the pioneers, who have been content to step away from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England succumb in Adelaide … well, the next tour is always an option.