Despite Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Ashes Veterans Stands Firm.

Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's side might be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however some remain within the England setup is deterred. There is one group perfectly suited for this scenario, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of unmet expectation? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.

Advance Guard Converge on an Anniversary City

As we speak, their advance guard are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and for their size most raucous – away supporters will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.

"England's performance been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."

Even a dramatic batting collapse fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star were born. They've seen more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club is: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who comprehend how to endure a whitewash, it's the long-standing fans.

A Ever-Present Sight On Screen

Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Even the players on the field give them a wave, as a supporter portraying a royal figure conducting a rendition of a well-known tune.

From Travellers to Institution

Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of history and omnipresence has now obscured quite how stunning their rise of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few travelling fans were drawn together in good-natured humour about failure at England's woeful away record. Now their reputation is so linked with the England cricket that their colourful, "maverick" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've definitely come a long way since the early days.

One veteran recalls the eager expectation of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the opposition on top, he started a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."

Earning Acclaim From Players

Following a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the bigger venues their numbers had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a face-saving victory, a senior player summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to lead the celebrations. Such camaraderie persists.

An Changing Business

But then, the large crowds the Barmy Army can conjure are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. For this series alone, their official tours will bring thousands of supporters. All kinds of events are scheduled for the 30th anniversary.

This is, after all, an organisation born of love for the game and commercial nous. The reason they mark their founding to a particular match is because that was when they started selling branded clothing. The short initial run was so instantly popular – and profitable – that it launched a commercial operation. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an major travel company.

Modern Challenges

That carries its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a significant portion of their clientele are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."

{A Quieter Future?

Will the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The mean age of fans is now nearing the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been happy to withdraw from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for this Ashes series, the faint hope of a 3-2 turnaround still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas is always an option.