Army in full song Photo © Barmy Army

It's a good job it's such a buzz off the field for the fans supporting England abroad.

Few expected to come to Australia and see England win the series. But the travelling fans hoped at least the team would be competitive.

Instead the team have succumbed to three heavy defeats in successions, and the Ashes retained by Australia. On the pitch the Barmy Army had little success to cheer about.

But it is unlikely you would find anyone amongst the Army who isn't having a fantastic time here in Australia, despite the results.

Both in the grounds and the pubs and clubs after, the Barmy Army have kept on having fun.

It's just a shame England have been so thoroughly outplayed.

With England facing a huge first innings deficit at the start of day 3, any hopes of them salvaging anything from the game soon evaporated.

Dawson was out tamely, then in-form batsman Michael Vaughan was run out in a crazy mix up with Mark Butcher, and the latter then being adjudged LBW the next ball.

All very predictable, and not even half way into the series, the Ashes were out of reach already.

It was precisely 11.16am when the Barmy Army first sang, "we're going to lose 3-2".

Conceding the inevitable defeat, the Army looked for other forms of entertainment.

"Bucknor, Bucknor give us a wave", was soon followed by, "Bucknor, Bucknor, give us a dance".

The popular West Indian umpire was happy to oblige on both accounts, waving and doing a little jig.

Unfortunately, he refused to bow to the next request as the Army pleaded, "Bucknor, Bucknor, take them off", as the sun hid behind the clouds for a brief moment.

Out on the field, at cover point, Justin Langer joined in with a dance that accompanied one of the Army's songs.

Even Matty Hayden got in on the act.

He had been the target of chants refering to his unfortunate pre-test problems.

"Haemorroids, Haemorroids ...", the England fans taunted, to be followed up by, "He's got a bunch of grapes up his arse".

When, however, the cry went up of "Piles, Piles, give us a wave", Hayden obliged by doffing his cap, and bowing in the direction of the Barmy Army.

The Aussie players were good value, but I guess it's easy to play along with the crowd and be in good spirits when your team is in such complete control.

You had to feel sorry for Nasser Hussain. The captain had been lauded as one of England's best for a long time before the series started.

The gulf in class between the two sides had been exaggerated by a horrendous run of injuries.

How would anyone get on with Tudor and Harmison opening the bowling and White first change, against the world's best side.

He had his work cut out.

The support of the team had been fantastic for the first three tests, with record numbers travelling around the world to support the England team.

There has been several thousand at each of the first three tests, and these numbers will swell as many come out for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

And a message to those who are heading out to Melbourne and Sydney.

Don't come with too many expectations for English success. But win, lose or draw, you're sure to have a fantastic time out here.

© Barmy Army