Despite England's Aggressive Cricket's Collapse, the Loyal Fan Group's Crew of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.
Take heart, fan. England's squad might be entering the third Ashes Test already 2-0 down, however not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. There is one group ideally equipped for these circumstances, a dedicated unit who are arguably the supreme experts in defeat. Is optimism crushed? Do you feel the weight beneath the pressure of crushing defeat? Then it's time, join the Barmy Army.
Early Arrivals Converge on an Formation Site
Already, their early arrivals are gathering in Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's most famous – and by headcount most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an celebratory against-all-odds victory, reminiscent of the one they saw on that 1994-95 tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, in the stands and bars the celebrations will be extensive and boisterous.
"England's performance been very, very disappointing," a veteran states, "but we're the blessed group, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."
Even a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this crew of battle-tested followers. They've been watching England's top-order failures since earlier than many current players started playing. They've seen more dropped catches than star players have career scalps. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club reads: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to survive a series sweep, it's the original supporters.
A Ubiquitous Sight In Coverage
Without a doubt, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. TV directors at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners often use them as banter-primed buildup to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a fan dressed as a monarch conducting a chorus of a patriotic song.
From Fans to Institution
Perhaps that the Barmy Army's mix of longevity and visibility has now overshadowed quite how remarkable their dominance of travelling fandom has been. Thirty years in the past a small group followers were united in comical humour about failure at England's dismal away record. Now their reputation is so synonymous with the national team that their boisterous, "unique" crowd is practically part of the furniture. They've definitely come a great distance since the humble beginnings.
One founding member recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that 1994-95 tour. With the hosts making a strong start, he started a six-person conga in the stands, winding up the locals with a song about convicts. "Local crowds jeered at us, then threw rubbish – the kind of thing that we still get today," he recalls. "However when we got back our little group of England followers had all taken part."
Earning Respect In the Dressing Room
After an early setback, England's tour continued to struggle. Those backing the team around the country must have been barmy indeed. As the tour reached the later Tests their crowd had swelled to the hundreds. The players, however, truly appreciated their support at the grounds. When England secured a consolation win, a senior player beckoned a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to lead the revelry. That bond remains.
An Changing Business
But then, the significant volume the Barmy Army can muster are as attractive to the English game as they are to host grounds. At this Ashes alone, their travel packages will bring a significant contingent of paying travellers. Numerous events are planned for the significant birthday.
This is, after all, an entity born of love for the game and entrepreneurial spirit. The logic they date themselves to a specific Test is because that was when they started producing branded clothing. The limited early stock was so quickly sold out – and financially rewarding – that it launched a commercial operation. Since then, the co-founders have helped turn a group of mates into an industry-leading sports tourism business.
Modern Considerations
That brings its own complexities, notably at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its rowdy image. The Barmy Army's leadership are eager to highlight that a significant portion of their supporters on tour are now female. As times have changed, the songs have had to get less offensive, too. "Things that were common 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's correct," says a spokesperson. "We can't tell someone how to behave within the confines of their seat, but we won't support songs that are insulting."
{A Natural Mellowing?
Will the Barmy Army become more sedate? The average supporter age is now in the late 40s – similar to the original members, who have been pleased to withdraw from the day-to-day running. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a supporter – leaving young professionals to manage the Barmy Army's online channels. "It's easy to overlook how hard it used to be to communicate with each other," he smiles. "It was all done all by word of mouth – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
Regarding this Ashes series, the unlikely scenario of a series victory still lingers, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. Should England do lose in Adelaide … well, future travels awaits.
