Steady, soldier. England's team could be heading into the third Ashes Test now 2-0 down, yet not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one collective perfectly suited for these circumstances, a unwavering unit who consider themselves the quintessential experts in defeat. Have your dreams been shattered? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, enlist with the Barmy Army.
Early Arrivals Gather on an Anniversary City
Even now, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – tourist followers will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they celebrated on that mid-90s tour. But regardless of the result on the pitch, off it the celebrations will be long and loud.
"The on-field action been incredibly disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."
Despite a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this group of battle-tested followers. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before the latest star started playing. They've observed more fielding errors than some bowlers have career scalps. Their collective record as an Ashes away contingent stands at: contested many, lost often, won seldom. The people who knows how to endure a series sweep, that would be the founding members.
A Highly Visible Force At the Ground
Without a doubt, if you're watching, the Barmy Army are seen to be everywhere in this contest. TV directors at the grounds often appear more focused on the Barmies than in their own fans. Broadcasters regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the players on the field give them a wave, as someone clad as a king starting a rendition of a well-known tune.
From Travellers to Establishment
Perhaps that the Barmy Army's dual effect of endurance and omnipresence has now masked quite how stunning their takeover of tourist following has been. Thirty years in the past a few backpackers were brought together in wry mockery of their team at England's poor away record. In the present day their legacy is so intertwined with the men's Test side that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is all but an accepted institution. They've certainly come a long way since the humble beginnings.
One founding member can picture the eager expectation of the series start of that pioneering tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "The Aussie fans hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the kind of thing that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "However when we got back our small band of England followers had all taken part."
Earning Acclaim In the Dressing Room
Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those backing the team around the country surely was barmy indeed. As the tour reached the bigger venues their ranks had grown to the hundreds. The squad, however, truly appreciated their presence at the grounds. When England managed a notable triumph, a team captain beckoned a supporter up to the team balcony to lead the celebrations. That bond has endured.
An Changing Institution
But then, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the cricket authorities as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of paying travellers. A variety of celebrations are scheduled for the three-decade milestone.
This is, ultimately, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The reason they trace their origin to a particular match is because that was when they started selling souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so instantly popular – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. From that point, the co-founders have helped turn a pub-based supporters into an respected sports tourism business.
Modern Evolution
That brings its own issues, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now women. As norms evolve, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Comments that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a representative. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave in their own space, but we won't support songs that are offensive."
{A Changing Demographics?
Could the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now approaching the late 40s – mirroring the original members, who have been happy to step away from the day-to-day running. One founder is experiencing this tour purely as a fan – leaving a fresh team to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "Our method was all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
As for the current contest, the unlikely scenario of a historic comeback still lingers, which is typical of their spirit indeed. Should England succumb in Adelaide … well, South Africa next Christmas looks nice.
