Courage, fan. England's side could be approaching the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, yet some remain among supporters is deterred. There is one group tailor-made for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the ultimate doomsday preppers. Have your dreams been shattered? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of failed hopes? Well then, enlist with the Barmy Army.
Advance Guard Converge on an Formation Site
Already, their first wave are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – travelling fans will be dreaming of an anniversary win-against-the-odds, reminiscent of the one they saw on that mid-90s tour. And whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be long and loud.
"England's performance been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the lucky ones, because we're on holiday. It's likely harder for the people at home."
Even a spectacular team failure can't shake this crew of hardened veterans. They've been enduring England's batting collapse since prior to the latest star were born. They've observed more spilled chances than star players have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.
A Highly Visible Force In Coverage
Indeed, for viewers at home, the Barmy Army do seem to be all over in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners frequently use them as banter-primed prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a monarch conducting a rendition of a patriotic song.
From Travellers to Pillar
Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of history and omnipresence has now overshadowed quite how extraordinary their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a handful backpackers were drawn together in wry humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Today their legacy is so intertwined with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a great distance since the humble beginnings.
One original can picture the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the Australians on top, he started a small conga in the stands, provoking the Australian supporters with a chant about convicts. "The Aussie fans shouted insults at us, then threw rubbish – the treatment that we still get today," he says. "But when we got back our small band of England followers had all participated."
Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room
Following defeat, England's tour faced further difficulties. Those following the team around the country was considered barmy indeed. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their numbers had increased significantly. The squad, however, truly appreciated their noise at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a team captain summoned a fan leader up to the team balcony to direct the festivities. Such camaraderie persists.
An Evolving Institution
Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can attract are as appealing to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. At this Ashes alone, their organised trips will accommodate a significant contingent of paying travellers. A variety of activities are organised for the significant birthday.
This is, ultimately, an group born of fan enthusiasm and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it began a commercial operation. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.
Modern Evolution
That carries its own issues, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's management are quick to note that a growing percentage of their clientele are now women. As times have changed, the chants have had to get cleaner, too. "Comments that you'd say 30 years ago you can no longer say, and that's as it should be," says a representative. "We can't tell someone how to behave individually, but we will not promote songs that are offensive."
{A Quieter Future?
Could the Barmy Army evolve quietly? The average supporter age is now approaching middle age – similar to the original members, who have been happy to distance themselves from the daily operation. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a supporter – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's digital presence. "It's easy to overlook how difficult it used to be to coordinate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England are defeated in Adelaide … well, future travels is always an option.
