Take heart, fan. England's squad might be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, however not everyone among supporters is fazed. Exists one group ideally equipped for such a situation, a unwavering unit who are arguably the ultimate masters of adversity. Are hopes dashed? Are you crushed beneath the burden of crushing defeat? In that case, join the Barmy Army.
As we speak, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they were established 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount noisiest – travelling fans will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. Furthermore whatever happens on the pitch, off it the parties will be extensive and boisterous.
"England's performance been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."
Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star started playing. They've witnessed more dropped catches than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes supporters' club stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. If anyone knows how to weather a clean sweep, it's the long-standing fans.
Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere during this Ashes. Host broadcasters at the grounds frequently appear keener to feature the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters often use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Even the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a king starting a singing of a well-known tune.
One could argue that the Barmy Army's combination of history and visibility has now masked quite how extraordinary their takeover 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 poor away record. Today their reputation is so synonymous with the men's Test side that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.
One veteran recalls the eager expectation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. After the opposition making a strong start, he led a modest conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a chant about the past. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all joined in."
After an early setback, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. As the tour reached the Melbourne and Sydney matches their crowd had increased significantly. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a star invited a fan leader up to the players' area to lead the festivities. Such camaraderie remains.
Additionally, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of supporters. Numerous activities are scheduled for the significant birthday.
This is, ultimately, an organisation born of cricketing passion and business acumen. The explanation they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The short initial run was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a lasting enterprise. Since then, the driving forces have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading travel company.
That carries its own challenges, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's directors are eager to highlight that a growing percentage of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Language that you'd say 30 years ago you cannot utter today, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we will not promote songs that are derogatory."
Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The demographic is now in their fifth decade – mirroring the original members, who have been pleased to step away from the daily operation. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a punter – leaving newer staff to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
As for England's plight, the unlikely scenario of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.
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