The ups and downs of English fandom

From Ewan Day-Collins, UK

Sustained success has never been something particularly associated with England. While other more tenacious nations choose the path of pragmatism, seeking longevity in their position of power, England never seem to have consistency in their play. Supporting England has been a trial of patience, the pain occasionally forgotten when victorious moments such as the Ashes victory in 2005 occur. These moments precede a sharp snap back to reality when yet another defeat soon turns up to spoil the joyous celebrations.

A sense of optimism is stimulated by just a small sign of possible power, before yet more tribulations soon quash that feeling. It is these inklings of brilliance that keep the fans and the fanatical Barmy Army turning up, judicious beliefs, sometimes seemingly obvious outcomes that are often overtaken and nullified by unrealistic thoughts of prosperity.

We lambaste the players, the coach, the ECB, when things go wrong, of course. But the constant flux in results creates rapid forgiveness, before more accusations are thrown at whoever is seen fit to receive them.

Being a loyal supporter of England is not difficult, however. Our craving for brilliance, the expectation often being ridiculous, always remains. This sense of false hope is wonderful, occasionally backed up by the players’ achievements. The few moments we enter sporting utopia fuels our desire for more, and more, and even more of the same. We thrive on the sensation of tranquillity, when all goes right for England, though this perfect equilibrium is rarely durable, rocked too often by our own security and complacency.

Supporting England is, as they say, a journey – an incredibly changeable one at that. Each series is given a grand branding, which too often it fails to live up to. We reward our players dutifully if they win however, many receiving MBEs, knighthoods and open-top bus parades.

If they do not succeed in their quest, we discard them with unwavering ruthlessness. We fling them to the wayside, before anticipating the next, untried batch to be winners, subsequently erasing the memories of past troubles.

Each country has their unique culture of cricketing fans. Some are faithful and partisan, some are calm and prudent, and some soon lose patience and vociferously voice just that. England also has its own identity, though it is difficult to clearly define. A team in fluctuation, a cautious board and unrealistic expectations from the fans often ends in a lack of clarity.

If a player appeases and wins over the supporters but then – like Andrew Strauss currently – has a lean patch, we will spare him the slaughterhouse, choosing to be faithful and kind. However, if a player we dislike is in a rough place we will respond quite differently, though always with deference and respect for his attempts. This is the English way.

As with any country, the emotion of supporting England also changes rapidly. If, as England supporters, we had been experiencing self-pity before the new guard of Flower and Strauss took control of the reigns, we are now firmly in a state of assurance, we trust in guaranteed success, catalysed by the whitewash against India on home soil.

We have confidence in the team, though only continuing success will ensure their security as past experiences have detailed. Now we look ahead with the faith that the team will do well, after so many years of poor performances, punctuated with brief moments of greatness. We seek more of this greatness, and hope it is more regularly achieved.

As an England supporter, I do not see the future will trepidation now but with hope, a hope this time supported with evidence. I am not ashamed, when in the company of Australians, to declare my nationality, though I am wise enough to maintain a clear sense of reality: the England team must not become ostentatious or pretentious, but must exert its authority as the world’s No. 1 in the Test arena.

Perhaps now, speaking as a supporter inspired rather than embarrassed, England will make up for years of austerity. But we must not enter the dangerous land of complacency, otherwise, once more, our expectations will not be duly met.