Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's team might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not all among supporters is fazed. There is one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of failed hopes? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Historic Location

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and per capita most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, similar to the one they celebrated on that 1994-95 tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, away from the field the revelries will be long and loud.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," a veteran states, "yet we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."

Even Bazball's nuclear implosion can't shake this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star were born. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: contested many, lost often, won seldom. If anyone knows how to weather a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. Sports networks frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field are heralding them, as a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Fans to Establishment

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and ubiquity has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a small group travelling fans were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've certainly come a far since the initial chants.

One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the first Test of that formative tour. After the hosts on top, he started a six-person conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a song about convicts. "The Aussie fans jeered at us, then threw drink containers – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he says. "Yet when we got back our little group of England followers had all participated."

Earning Acclaim From Players

After an early setback, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone travelling with the team around the country surely was truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their ranks had grown substantially. The squad, however, came to value their presence at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a star summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to join in the festivities. That bond has endured.

An Changing Business

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the English game as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their official tours will accommodate a large number of paying travellers. Numerous events are organised for the three-decade milestone.

This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own challenges, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were acceptable 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's absolutely right," 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 derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now nearing middle age – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a supporter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how hard it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the impossible dream of a historic comeback remains alive, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.