They were founded by David Peacock, Paul Burnham and Gareth Evans during England’s 1994-95 Ashes tour of Australia. What started as a group of around 30 backpackers following England Down Under has since evolved into one of the most recognisable supporters’ clubs in world sport.
What started as a loose collection of England supporters has evolved into a global cricket institution. Today the Barmy Army organises official tours, travel packages, events and fan experiences for England supporters across the cricketing world.
READ: CSA breaks silence on Newlands ticket sell-out
The group is best known for its singing culture. Armed with trumpets, drums and personalised chants for players, the Barmy Army creates a football style atmosphere rarely seen in cricket. Their songs have become part of the soundtrack of modern England cricket, whether at Lord’s, the MCG, Newlands or the SCG.
South Africa has long been one of the Barmy Army’s favourite destinations. England tours to South Africa regularly attract thousands of travelling supporters, especially in Cape Town, where Newlands often feels like a home venue for England during marquee Test series.
Their presence has become so significant that ticket allocations and travel packages linked to England tours in South Africa often generate huge demand and controversy. Tickets for the 2026 Newlands Boxing day Test sold out rapidly amid frustration from supporters who believed large allocations had gone to travel groups including the Barmy Army.
Despite their popularity, the Barmy Army remain divisive. Many cricket fans praise them for creating atmosphere, humour and colour in traditionally quiet stadiums, while critics complain about repetitive chanting, heavy drinking and the commercialisation of what was once an organic supporters’ movement.
ALSO: Sooryavanshi’s batting leaves Langer in awe
Still, few groups have shaped cricket culture quite like the Barmy Army. More than 30 years after their formation, they remain one of the defining sights and sounds of England cricket abroad.
Australian left arm quick Mitchell Johnson was famously on the receiving end of one of the Barmy Army’s most recognisable chants during the 2010-11 Ashes series: “He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right, that Mitchell Johnson, his bowling is …” The song became one of the defining fan moments of modern Ashes cricket and showcased the Barmy Army’s humour and relentless support for England.
Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
