Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Courage, trooper. Ben Stokes's side may be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is deterred. Exists one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Gather on an Historic Location

Even now, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most raucous – away supporters will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "however we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Despite a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation were born. They've observed more fielding errors than key pacemen have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone understand how to weather a whitewash, it's the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds often appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks often use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as a supporter portraying a royal figure leading a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of history and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their rise of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a handful travelling fans were united in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Now their story is so linked with the England cricket that their vibrant, "maverick" crowd is practically an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original still remembers the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the opposition on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the locals with a tune about the past. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."

Earning Appreciation From Players

After defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter travelling with the team around the country was considered slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had grown substantially. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to join in the celebrations. That bond has endured.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the sport as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an group born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the original members have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected travel company.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own complexities, especially at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that were acceptable 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 within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now nearing middle age – mirroring the original members, who have been content to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "We forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to England's plight, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.