Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.

Take heart, trooper. Ben Stokes's team may be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but some remain in English cricket is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? Well then, join the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Move In on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's most famous – and for their size noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore no matter the outcome on the pitch, off it the revelries will be extensive and boisterous.

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

Despite a spectacular team failure can't shake this band of seasoned campaigners. They've been watching England's innings meltdowns since earlier than a new generation took the field. They've witnessed more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes touring group stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone knows how to weather a clean sweep, it's the original supporters.

A Ever-Present Force At the Ground

Certainly, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be all over this series. Australian cameras at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building buildup to a day's play. Even the cricketers on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a monarch conducting a singing of a national hymn.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's combination of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how extraordinary their dominance of away support has been. Three decades ago a small group followers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their story is so linked with the national team that their colourful, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a long way since the early days.

One founding member recalls the eager expectation of the series start of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition on top, he led a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a chant about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."

Earning Appreciation On the Field

Following an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those travelling with the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had grown significantly. Those on the field, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England managed a consolation win, a team captain invited a fan leader up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. That bond persists.

An Maturing Institution

Furthermore, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous events are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, after all, an entity born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The reason they date themselves to a particular match is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it began a commercial operation. Over the years, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an respected tour operator.

Modern Considerations

That brings its own challenges, particularly 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 travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were common 30 years ago you cannot utter today, 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 will not promote songs that are derogatory."

{A Changing Demographics?

Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "We forget how hard it used to be to coordinate with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. And if England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.