Even Bazball's Downfall, the Barmy Army's Band of Ashes Veterans Is Unmoved.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's squad may be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not all in English cricket is disheartened. There is one unit perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? In that case, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," he admits, "yet we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this crew of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's batting collapse since earlier than many current players took the field. They've observed more spilled chances than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone understand how to endure a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be ubiquitous this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a monarch starting a singing of a national hymn.

From Fans to Institution

One could argue that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of tourist following has been. Three decades ago a few travelling fans were brought together in wry self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the initial chants.

One original can picture the buoyant hope of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the hosts on top, he led a small conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a chant about historical figures. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation In the Dressing Room

Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Any supporter backing the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Institution

Furthermore, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can conjure are as valuable to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will host a significant contingent of paying travellers. All kinds of events are organised for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading tour operator.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the vocals have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – like the founders themselves, who have been happy to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.