Even Bazball's Downfall, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Ashes Veterans Remains Unshaken.

Courage, trooper. Ben Stokes's team might be approaching the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone among supporters is fazed. There is one collective ideally equipped for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential doomsday preppers. Are hopes dashed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.

Early Arrivals Gather on an Historic Location

As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most raucous – tourist followers will be dreaming of an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that historic tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be long and loud.

"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "however 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 crew of hardened veterans. They've been watching England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star took the field. They've seen more fielding errors than star players have international dismissals. Their personal stats as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to survive a whitewash, they are the long-standing fans.

A Highly Visible Presence In Coverage

Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army do seem to be ubiquitous during this Ashes. TV directors at the grounds sometimes appear more interested in the Barmies than on their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field are heralding them, as a fan dressed as a monarch starting a chorus of a patriotic song.

From Travellers to Institution

It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how extraordinary their rise of away support has been. In the early 1990s a handful backpackers were drawn together in wry mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so linked with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "maverick" crowd is virtually part of the furniture. They've certainly come a long way since the humble beginnings.

One founding member still remembers the eager expectation of the series start of that pioneering tour. After the Australians building a solid score, he led a modest conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a song about the past. "Local crowds hurled abuse at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "However when we got back our modest following of England followers had all participated."

Earning Respect On the Field

After a loss, England's tour continued to struggle. Any supporter backing the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their crowd had increased substantially. Those on the field, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a face-saving victory, a team captain summoned a supporter up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. That bond remains.

An Evolving Business

Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as attractive to the sport as they are to international stadiums. On this tour alone, their official tours will bring a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous activities are scheduled for the significant birthday.

This is, ultimately, an organisation born of fan enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. The explanation they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it began a commercial operation. From that point, the driving forces have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an major travel company.

Modern Challenges

That creates its own issues, particularly at a time when sport is attempting to move beyond some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's leadership are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get cleaner, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are derogatory."

{A Natural Mellowing?

Might the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The average supporter age is now nearing the late 40s – mirroring the founders themselves, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he laughs. "We used to do it all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"

As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a series victory persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.