Even Bazball's Downfall, this Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. England's squad could be entering the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet not all within the England setup is deterred. Exists one collective perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who are arguably the ultimate experts in defeat. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site

As we speak, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be protracted and hearty.

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

Despite a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to many current players took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their touring history as an Ashes touring group reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. The people who comprehend how to survive a clean sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.

A Ubiquitous Presence In Coverage

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Sports networks regularly use them as entertainment-focused buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a king leading a singing of a well-known tune.

From Backpackers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and ubiquity has now obscured quite how stunning their takeover of away support has been. Three decades ago a small group backpackers were brought together in good-natured mockery of their team at England's poor away record. Today their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a far since the early days.

One veteran can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the Australians making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Acclaim On the Field

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country was considered truly dedicated. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled to the hundreds. The players, 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 lead the revelry. That bond has endured.

An Changing Operation

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can attract are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of supporters. A variety of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. With societal shifts, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse 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 happy to distance themselves from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas awaits.