Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, fan. England's team could be entering the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but some remain within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one collective ideally equipped for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Formation Site

Already, their advance guard are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most vocal – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be extensive and boisterous.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since prior to a new generation started playing. They've seen more fielding errors than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who knows how to endure a clean sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Highly Visible Force In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, with a fan dressed as a royal figure starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Backpackers to Establishment

One could argue that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their takeover of away support has been. In the early 1990s a small group followers were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Now their story is so linked with the men's Test side that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've definitely come a far since the humble beginnings.

One veteran still remembers the buoyant hope of the first Test of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians on top, he started a modest conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the treatment that we still get today," he remembers. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect From Players

After an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. That bond remains.

An Evolving Institution

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will host a significant contingent of fans on tour. Numerous activities are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, in the end, an organisation born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling merchandise. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. Since then, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major sports tourism business.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a sizable minority of their supporters on tour are now female. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's correct," says a director. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now in middle age – similar to the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels looks nice.