Despite Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Steady, fan. Ben Stokes's side could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is fazed. There is one group perfectly suited for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their advance guard are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – travelling fans will be hoping for an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been incredibly disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star were born. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. Those who understand how to survive a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Force At the Ground

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be ubiquitous in this contest. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field are heralding them, with someone clad as a royal figure conducting a chorus of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of endurance and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their dominance of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were drawn together in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Today their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their vibrant, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the humble beginnings.

One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that formative tour. After the hosts building a solid score, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the locals with a chant about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he remembers. "But when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those backing the team around the country surely was slightly mad. As the tour reached the later Tests their numbers had grown substantially. Those on the field, however, genuinely enjoyed their presence at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Institution

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their official tours will bring thousands of paying travellers. All kinds of activities are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they mark their founding to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it began a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That brings its own issues, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Might the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – similar to the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.