The Ashes might be lost, but the English presence at Australian cricket grounds is about to get significantly larger. As the Christmas and New Year period approaches, a major influx of English cricket fans is expected to descend on Australia for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, with the Barmy Army leading the charge.
Despite England’s defeats in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, the Barmy Army remains undeterred. Their mantra is to support the team through thick and thin, a commitment they demonstrated last week in Adelaide. The Barmy Army, formed under the iconic Adelaide Oval scoreboard 30 years ago, has grown into a formidable presence at cricket matches worldwide.
The Barmy Army’s Origins and Growth
The Barmy Army began with a few backpackers enjoying the sun in Adelaide during the 1994/95 Ashes series. Witnessing Mike Gatting’s century and England’s victory, they likely never imagined the group would grow to its current size. Today, more than 50,000 English cricket fans are expected to attend matches across Australia this summer.
During the Adelaide Test, the Barmy Army was in full force, braving the 40-degree heat to sing, wave flags, and enjoy the cricket. Their spirited presence was complemented by their respectful behavior, such as cleaning up after themselves, which garnered praise on social media.
Economic Impact of the Barmy Army
The presence of the Barmy Army is not just about cricket; it’s also a significant economic boost for Australia. According to Barmy Army managing director Chris Millard, the 2017/18 Ashes tour injected $400 million into the Australian economy. This time, the impact is expected to exceed half a billion dollars, as thousands of fans travel, dine, and stay in Australia for the series.
“We’re here for 52 nights. We’re eating out most nights. You’re eating out for lunch a lot, obviously, and having a really good time staying in nice hotels and flying in Australia costs a lot of money. And then you’ve got a lot of tens of thousands of England fans doing the same thing. That adds up.” — Chris Millard, Barmy Army Managing Director
Fan Culture and Community
The Barmy Army is known for its jovial nature, drawing people in with their humor and camaraderie. While some may view English cricket fans as carefree, this spirit is precisely what attracts many to join the Army on their tours. The group is diverse, comprising families, seasoned cricket enthusiasts, and those seeking a sense of community while abroad.
Despite the ribbing from Australians about England’s on-field performance, the Barmy Army is beloved for its positive impact on local economies. Their presence is felt in cities across Australia, where English accents are often more prevalent than Australian ones during the series.
Looking Ahead
As the Barmy Army prepares for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, they remain hopeful for an English victory on Australian soil, something that hasn’t occurred since 2011. Regardless of the outcome, their presence will continue to be a vibrant and economically beneficial aspect of the Ashes series.
With their unique fan-player relationship and unwavering support, the Barmy Army exemplifies the passion and dedication that cricket inspires. Their journey across Australia is not just about the matches but also about celebrating a shared love for the sport and the camaraderie it fosters.
