Despite Bazball's Collapse, this Barmy Army's Group of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, soldier. England's team may be approaching the next Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is fazed. There is one collective perfectly suited for this scenario, a unwavering unit who can lay claim to be the supreme experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the weight of crushing defeat? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they saw on that historic tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be long and loud.

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

Even a spectacular team failure doesn't trouble this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since before the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent reads: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who understand how to weather a whitewash, that would be the founding members.

A Ever-Present Force In Coverage

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere in this contest. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field acknowledge them, as a supporter portraying a king conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Establishment

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their rise of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were drawn together in wry self-deprecation at England's dismal away record. Now their story is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.

One founding member still remembers the buoyant hope of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians on top, he initiated a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw drink containers – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he recalls. "Yet when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Respect From Players

After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their crowd had increased substantially. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a senior player invited a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the revelry. Such camaraderie remains.

An Changing Business

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their travel packages will bring a large number of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are organised for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing souvenir shirts. The short initial run was so quickly sold out – and profitable – that it sparked a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major travel company.

Modern Evolution

That creates its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a growing percentage of their supporters on tour are now women. With societal shifts, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we do not endorse songs that are insulting."

{A Changing Demographics?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now nearing middle age – similar to the original members, who have been pleased to withdraw from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "You forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he chuckles. "We used to do it all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround remains alive, which is typical of their spirit indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.