Barmy Army prepares to invade our shores
AS if the Covid world isn’t barmy enough, England’s fanatical group of cricket supporters are planning a brazen swoop on Australian shores for the Ashes.
The “Barmy Army” is ready to mobilise its troops the moment Prime Minister Scott Morrison gives the green light for international borders to reopen to tourists, with upwards of 1500 members sweating on a last-gasp opportunity to infiltrate Australian cricket grounds this summer.
Indications that Victoria
will soon follow NSW into abolishing quarantine for international visitors opens up the possibility the Barmy Army could arrive in time for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, the New Year’s Test in
Sydney and potentially the fifth Test, should it be shifted from Perth to the east coast.
Barmy Army co-founder Paul Burnham said the group already had a Plan B in place with local English fans ready to snap up tickets in each city and represent the old country.
But the real cavalry is poised for a late mission to help England through an Ashes where the odds are already stacked against it.
“There is already a lot of locals ready to proactively support the England cricket team but yes, if there is any chance for our members to get over to
Australia then we will of course try,” Burnham said.
“Hopefully the high speed which the government is moving in Australia will continue and we can get over and support Joe Root and his team. After all the negativity with Covid that would be amazing.”
Initially, NSW had tried to announce borders were open to tourists, but the Prime Minister came in over the top and declared Australians wishing to return home would have right of way when quarantine is stopped and flights increase from early November.
The Daily Mail UK reported that more than 15,000 England fans were on the waiting list for travel packages to Australia, although Burnham said the more likely cohort would be 1000-1500 should borders open in time.
After nearly two years of playing overseas with no supporters, England’s Barmy Army will have a presence at this month’s Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE.
If borders are reopened, Australians could be competing with the Barmy Army for available seats to get home for Christmas.