Even Bazball's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Group of Seasoned Tourists Remains Unshaken.
Take heart, fan. Ben Stokes's squad might be entering the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone among supporters is deterred. There is one collective perfectly suited for such a situation, a crack(pot) unit who consider themselves the supreme doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Are you crushed beneath the weight of failed hopes? In that case, join the Barmy Army.
Pioneers Move In on an Anniversary City
As we speak, their first wave are moving in on Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's iconic – and by headcount most vocal – tourist followers will be hoping for an anniversary win-against-the-odds, like the one they saw on that historic tour. And no matter the outcome on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be protracted and hearty.
"The cricket's been extremely disappointing," one founder concedes, "yet we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."
Despite Bazball's nuclear implosion fails to deter this group of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's innings meltdowns since prior to a new generation were born. They've observed more spilled chances than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes touring group stands at: played 37, lost 27, won 6. The people who understand how to survive a clean sweep, that would be the long-standing fans.
A Ever-Present Presence On Screen
Without a doubt, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army appear to be everywhere this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear more focused on the Barmies than on their own fans. Broadcasters frequently use them as entertainment-focused lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field are heralding them, with a supporter portraying a royal figure starting a singing of a national hymn.
From Travellers to Pillar
Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and omnipresence has now obscured quite how remarkable their takeover of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a small group backpackers were united in good-natured mockery of their team at England's woeful away record. Today their reputation is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unconventional" crowd is practically establishment itself. They've definitely come a long way since the initial chants.
One founding member still remembers the excited anticipation of the first Test of that formative tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, teasing the Australian supporters with a tune about convicts. "Home supporters jeered at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we still get today," he says. "Yet when we got back our modest following of England followers had all joined in."
Earning Respect On the Field
After a loss, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the later Tests their numbers had swelled significantly. The players, however, genuinely enjoyed their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the revelry. This connection persists.
An Changing Business
Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the sport as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will bring thousands of supporters. A variety of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.
This is, ultimately, an group born of love for the game and business acumen. The logic they date themselves to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The limited early stock was so immediately successful – and lucrative – that it sparked a commercial operation. From that point, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading sports tourism business.
Modern Evolution
That brings its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its boisterous image. The Barmy Army's directors are keen to point out that a significant portion of their travelling fans are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that you'd say 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are offensive."
{A Changing Demographics?
Will the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now in their fifth decade – similar to the pioneers, who have been pleased to step away from the daily operation. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's social media. "We forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
As for England's plight, the impossible dream of a historic comeback still lingers, which is very mid-90s indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.
