You may expect supporters to be a bit subdued after travelling around the world to see their team slip to another resounding defeat.

The atmosphere, however, created by the Barmy Army at the Adelaide Oval seemed to intensify as the inevitable loss loomed.

As in Brisbane, even in the face of adversity, the fans continued to sing defiantly.

If only the England team could summon up a similar fighting spirit.

Some of the chanting did take on a different form on the forth day. The weather forecast had the Barmy Army performing a type of tribal dance, with whooping and arms reaching to the sky.

"Let's all do a rain dance".

News came over the radio commentary that storms were on the way that hadn't been seen in South Australia for many a year.

Could freak weather save England.

"Bucknor, Bucknor, take them off", was the chant directed at the West Indian Umpire each time drops of rain fell.

The Jimmy Saville look-alike amongst the England fans was in fine voice leading the singing.

"Can you fix it for the rain".

A text message from England; Sky Sports have said a storm is coming at three O'Clock which would be so big, it would mean the end of the game.

The supporters were clutching at straws. After all, supporting England abroad, you have to be an eternal optimist, whatever the situation.

There were a few delays for rain but the anticipated monsoon never quite materialized.

England simply fell away to another resounding defeat, with only Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart providing any real resistance.

As if to highlight the gulf in class, Vaughan was dismissed by quite an amazing catch by Glen McGrath.

The huge fast bowler sprinted around the square leg boundary to take a superb, full-length diving catch.

It's the type of inspiration that the England team desperately need.

Despite McGrath's unpopularity amongst the Army, the catch drew grudging applause from the travelling contingent.

In an article on BBC Sport Online's website, Tom Fordyce had described what it is like to follow England.

"Supporting the England cricket team is like having a long-standing girlfriend who treats you like scum".

Fordyce continues with the metaphor, with a reference to England's sporadic good sessions, saying you find yourself thinking she's a 'smashing girl' then she lets you down again.

It's a clever analogy, but he seems to miss the essence of fun and enjoyment that fans do get following the team around the world in spite of the performances.

And the never-ending optimism in the ranks.

In Brisbane the chant had been, "We're going to win 5-0".

Now of course, the Army are down to, "We're going to win 3-2".

Time is running out, and as the show rolls on to Perth, it needs something special for England to turn things around and justify some of the Army's unwavering faith and support.

But win, lose or draw, the England fans will continue to have fun. It's the only way they know.

© Barmy Army