Even England's Aggressive Cricket's Implosion, this Loyal Fan Group's Band of Seasoned Tourists Is Unmoved.
Steady, trooper. England's team could be approaching the upcoming Ashes Test already 2-0 down, but not everyone within the England setup is disheartened. Exists one unit tailor-made for these circumstances, a crack(pot) unit who can lay claim to be the quintessential masters of adversity. Is optimism crushed? Is the disappointment beneath the weight of crushing defeat? Then it's time, rally to the Barmy Army.
Pioneers Move In on an Historic Location
Already, their early arrivals are descending upon Adelaide, the city where they first came together 30 years ago. England's best-known – and per capita most raucous – away supporters will be anticipating an triumphant anniversary upset, similar to the one they celebrated on that historic tour. But whatever happens on the pitch, away from the field the parties will be extensive and boisterous.
"The on-field action been extremely disappointing," he admits, "but we're the fortunate few, because we're on holiday. It's perhaps harder for the people at home."
Despite a dramatic batting collapse doesn't trouble this group of hardened veterans. They've been observing England's top-order failures since prior to the latest star took the field. They've observed more dropped catches than key pacemen have Test wickets. Their touring history as an Ashes supporters' club is: a long history with more defeats than victories. Those who knows how to weather a series sweep, that would be the original supporters.
A Ubiquitous Force On Screen
Indeed, on television, the Barmy Army do seem to be everywhere this series. Australian cameras at the grounds frequently appear more interested in the Barmies than in their own fans. TV partners regularly use them as atmosphere-building prelude to a day's play. Remarkably the athletes on the field give them a wave, with a supporter portraying a royal figure leading a singing of a national hymn.
From Fans to Establishment
It's possible that the Barmy Army's dual effect of longevity and visibility has now masked quite how remarkable their takeover of away support has been. Thirty years in the past a few travelling fans were brought together in comical self-deprecation at England's woeful away record. In the present day their reputation is so intertwined with the national team that their colourful, "unconventional" crowd is virtually an accepted institution. They've undoubtedly come a long way since the humble beginnings.
One original recalls the excited anticipation of the opening day of that formative tour. After the opposition building a solid score, he led a small conga in the stands, winding up the Australian supporters with a tune about historical figures. "Home supporters shouted insults at us, then threw plastic cups – the stuff that we sometimes receive today," he remembers. "But when we got back our little group of England followers had all joined in."
Earning Appreciation On the Field
Following defeat, England's tour suffered more defeats. Anyone following the team around the country must have been slightly mad. When it came to the Melbourne and Sydney matches their ranks had swelled substantially. The squad, however, came to value their support at the grounds. When England pulled off a consolation win, a star invited a Barmy Army figure up to the victory celebration to direct the revelry. This connection has endured.
An Maturing Operation
Additionally, the sheer numbers the Barmy Army can muster are as valuable to the cricket authorities as they are to overseas venues. For this series alone, their official tours will accommodate thousands of paying travellers. All kinds of activities are planned for the three-decade milestone.
This is, in the end, an group born of fan enthusiasm and business acumen. The explanation they trace their origin to a specific Test is because that was when they started offering souvenir shirts. The first small batch was so quickly sold out – and lucrative – that it sparked a thriving business. From that point, the original members have helped turn a fan community into an industry-leading travel company.
Modern Considerations
That creates its own challenges, especially at a time when sport is looking to shed some of its lads-lads-lads 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 vocals have had to get cleaner, too. "Language that were acceptable 30 years ago you must avoid now, and that's absolutely right," says a spokesperson. "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 demographic is now approaching their fifth decade – like the original members, who have been happy to step away from the management. One founder is savouring this tour purely as a punter – leaving young professionals to populate the Barmy Army's social media. "It's easy to overlook how challenging it used to be to organise with each other," he chuckles. "Our method was all by shouting – 'everyone's going to the pub!'"
Turning to this Ashes series, the impossible dream of a 3-2 turnaround persists, which is classic Barmy Army indeed. In the event England are defeated in Adelaide … well, the next tour awaits.
