Steady, trooper. Ben Stokes's squad might be heading into the upcoming Ashes Test now 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one unit perfectly suited for this scenario, a dedicated unit who are arguably the ultimate doomsday preppers. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the burden of unmet expectation? In that case, join the Barmy Army.
Pioneers Move In on an Anniversary City
Already, their first wave are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they officially formed 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most vocal – away supporters will be hoping for an triumphant anniversary upset, like the one they witnessed on that mid-90s tour. Furthermore regardless of the result on the pitch, in the stands and bars the parties will be long and loud.
"The on-field action been very, very disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's probably harder for the people at home."
Even a dramatic batting collapse can't shake this crew of seasoned campaigners. They've been observing England's batting collapse since before the latest star started playing. They've observed more dropped catches than star players have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes away contingent stands at: a long history with more defeats than victories. If anyone comprehend how to weather a series sweep, they are the founding members.
A Highly Visible Sight In Coverage
Certainly, if you're watching, the Barmy Army appear to be all over this series. Host broadcasters at the grounds sometimes appear keener to feature the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building lead-in to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with someone clad as a king starting a singing of a national hymn.
From Travellers to Establishment
It's possible that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now obscured quite how stunning their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Three decades ago a handful followers were drawn together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. Today their story is so synonymous with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually establishment itself. They've certainly come a great distance since the early days.
One founding member recalls the buoyant hope of the opening day of that pioneering tour. With the opposition making a strong start, he initiated a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the home fans with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters hurled abuse at us, then threw plastic cups – the treatment that we occasionally encounter today," he recalls. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."
Earning Respect From Players
Following a loss, England's tour suffered more defeats. Those travelling with the team around the country must have been truly dedicated. By the time the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled significantly. The squad, however, came to value their noise at the grounds. When England secured a notable triumph, a team captain summoned a Barmy Army figure up to the players' area to join in the celebrations. This connection remains.
An Maturing Institution
Furthermore, the large crowds the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the English game as they are to overseas venues. On this tour alone, their travel packages will accommodate a significant contingent of fans on tour. A variety of celebrations are organised for the three-decade milestone.
This is, in the end, an entity born of cricketing passion and commercial nous. The reason they trace their origin to a Adelaide game is because that was when they started producing merchandise. The first small batch was so immediately successful – and financially rewarding – that it launched a thriving business. Over the years, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an major sports tourism business.
Modern Challenges
That carries its own complexities, particularly at a time when sport is trying to lose some of its lads-lads-lads image. The Barmy Army's leadership are quick to note that a sizable minority of their travelling fans are now female. As norms evolve, the chants have had to get more family-friendly, too. "Comments that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a director. "It's not possible to tell someone how to behave individually, but we won't support songs that are offensive."
{A Changing Demographics?
Could the Barmy Army mellow naturally? The demographic is now approaching the late 40s – like the original members, who have been pleased to distance themselves from the management. One founder is enjoying this tour purely as a punter – leaving a fresh team to populate the Barmy Army's online channels. "You forget how difficult it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "It was all done all by meeting up – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
Turning to this Ashes series, the faint hope of a historic comeback persists, which is very mid-90s indeed. And if England do lose in Adelaide … well, the next tour looks nice.
