Despite Bazball's Implosion, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Steady, trooper. England's team may be entering the next Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain among supporters is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for such a situation, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the supreme masters of adversity. Have your dreams been shattered? Are you crushed beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Pioneers Gather on an Historic Location

Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's best-known – and for their size most raucous – travelling fans will be anticipating an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the revelries will be protracted and hearty.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "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 doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since before a new generation were born. They've seen more dropped catches than some bowlers have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group reads: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to endure a whitewash, they are the original supporters.

A Ubiquitous Presence At the Ground

Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field acknowledge them, as someone clad as a king starting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how stunning their dominance of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were brought together in comical humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the early days.

One founding member still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the Australians on top, he led a small conga in the stands, provoking the home fans with a chant about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect From Players

Following a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Anyone backing the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. Those on the field, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a star beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. This connection persists.

An Maturing Business

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a large number of supporters. All kinds of celebrations are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, in the end, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The reason they mark their founding to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Since then, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an respected travel company.

Modern Considerations

That creates its own issues, notably at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are keen to point out that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. With societal shifts, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we do not endorse songs that are offensive."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching their fifth decade – like the founders themselves, who have been content to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Regarding this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.