Even Bazball's Implosion, the Barmy Army's Band of Seasoned Tourists Stands Firm.

Courage, soldier. Ben Stokes's team might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not all among supporters is disheartened. There is one group tailor-made for such a situation, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of failed hopes? In that case, rally to the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Move In on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and per capita noisiest – travelling fans will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, similar to the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. But no matter the outcome on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be protracted and hearty.

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

Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's batting collapse since earlier than many current players started playing. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have international dismissals. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. Those who comprehend how to survive a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence On Screen

Indeed, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a king starting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Backpackers to Pillar

It's possible that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how stunning their takeover of travelling fandom has been. In the early 1990s a small group backpackers were united in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so linked with the England cricket that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but part of the furniture. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.

One original can picture the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about the past. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the stuff that we still get today," he says. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

After a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone backing the team around the country was considered slightly mad. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, genuinely enjoyed their noise at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a star invited a fan leader up to the team balcony to join in the revelry. That bond remains.

An Changing Operation

But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the sport as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their travel packages will accommodate thousands of fans on tour. Numerous activities are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The reason they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a lasting enterprise. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.

Modern Evolution

That carries its own issues, especially at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their clientele are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Quieter Future?

Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in middle age – like the pioneers, who have been happy to withdraw from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to run the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

Turning to the current contest, the impossible dream of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.