Long the most unquestioningly loyal group of fans in world cricket, it seems England’s latest capitulation on a nightmare tour of Australia has finally got to even the Barmy Army.
The iconic supporters group took to Twitter to bemoan the current state of English red-ball cricket, calling on fellow members and other supporters to make their voices heard.
“We in the Barmy Army are loyal and passionate Test cricket fans. We support the team through good times and bad but we are gutted and distraught that we have lost the Ashes so soon,” the message reads.
“It’s clear there are fundamental and structural issues with the county game and its level of prioritisation is not working for the Test team. The lack of attention given to men’s red ball cricket is clearly evident in the disappointing performances of the Test team.
“What can we do as fans? We can make our voice heard. Rather than being disgruntled on social media, we want to be proactive and represent our members. As such, we’ll be listening and consolidating our members’ opinions and contacting the ECB with our thoughts.
“We will be partnering with the Cricket Supporters’ Association to combine our feedback to share with the ECB.”
However, despite the scathing review, the Barmy Army remain staunch supporters of England cricket.
“No matter what, we remain unconditionally supportive of the England team,” the message continues.
“We’ve been amazed by people staying up all over the world hoping for that next wicket, next boundary and getting behind the team. We will certainly be right behind the lads for the next Test.”
???????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/hBURdgZ3S9
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) December 29, 2021
England’s Test preparation has already been savaged by many pundits and supporters on their own shores, with the new The Hundred tournament, alongside the existing Vitality Blast T20 competition, seen by many as further pushing long-form county cricket to the sidelines.
After prioritising white-ball cricket following their disastrous group stage exist at the 2015 ODI World Cup, England have prospered, culminating in their World Cup victory in 2019. However, their Test team’s fortunes have dwindled ever since, particularly overseas.
They have won just one of their past twelve Tests after starting 2021 with three successive victories against Sri Lanka and India, all on foreign soil.
The Barmy Army’s statement has already received praise from a pair of England greats, with Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan lauding ‘a sensible message’.
Well done .. A sensible message ???? https://t.co/P2BCA7t2Qa
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 29, 2021
Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who played in three Ashes series triumphs including their sole win in Australia since the 1980s, in 2010-11, was also supportive.
This is brilliant. Well done @TheBarmyArmy https://t.co/l5INGbn2qN
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) December 29, 2021
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