Brisbane publican Michael Craig has made a career out of quenching Pom thirsts.

As landlord of the Woolloongabba Hotel, just across the road from its more famous namesake, the Gabba cricket ground, Michael has been entertaining England cricket fans for years.

"The whole thing's a massive challenge. I make sure there's enough beer in the cellar, but that's a tough job when the Barmy Army's in town. These boys try to drink us dry."

Michael was running a similar sports bar a little further up the road the last time England were in town. But how did the support compare?

"This time, the Barmy Army were much more organised, and the fans were far more closely knit, which produced a very good effect.

"We know how good the fans always are, really friendly and polite."

But Michael, England have just been spanked with a day to spare. Surely there must have been a hint of trouble? Emotions do run high.

"I've been serving grog for a long time and I've never seen losers take it so well. It was almost as if England had just won the series.

"To tell you the truth, I didn't see many pissed Poms, even though some of them had been drinking for a solid seven days since they arrived in Brisbane.

"It's probably because they've been running on pure adrenaline. They're all on a high and the alcohol doesn't have the same effect.

"I never had more than one security guard working for me, and I didn't ever need to call on him.

"One Aussie had a fight with another Aussie, but he was only drinking coffee!

"I've been doing this for a while and I know how to pick troublemakers, but I never had a problem with the Barmy Army."

So Michael, what were the fans doing to be so polite and civillised? Making daisy chains and maypole dancing, perhaps?

"Oh, they were singing all the time. I loved how they just made up songs there and then - they were funny songs too. Their spirits were awesome.

"Now and again they would do a massive conga all the way around the bar areas, in and out of the pub. People outside would just stop and watch them.

"But everyone treated the bar and the staff with respect."

Aussies seem to think they can drink, but we Brits don't believe it for a minute. What does Michael think?

"There's no real evidence that the Aussies can drink, compared with the Poms. You are used to bigger measures and, judging by the Barmy Army, you do it all the time.

"Also, your demeanour seems to improve with more beer. Me and my staff were always impressed with all the please and thankyou's we got from the Barmy Army."

Michael seems a bit of a Pom sympathiser, particularly as he's been spotted in a Barmy Army shirt behind the bar. Is he on the turn?

"I've got some stick from my mates. The shirt's in the wash at the moment, so I haven't thrown it away now England have gone, if that's what you think. I will wear it with pride, but I'm still an Aussie through and through.

"I would love to tour with the Barmy Army. You guys seem to have so much fun."

When you wear the shirt, Michael, you have to sing. It's the law. Have you any ideas for new songs?

"I haven't the talent, mate. I'm just good at pulling pints.

"It was a shame to see that the Aussies haven't jumped on the Barmy bandwagon and made our own songs. Aussie support just isn't as well organised, or as much fun."

Even though we lost the Test match, most Barmy Army members would agree that the atmosphere in Brisbane, throughout the match, was excellent.

Indeed, the Barmy Army has picked up a number of honourary soldiers. And Michael Craig, landlord of the Gabba Hotel, is now honourary Commander in Chief of the Barmy Army Naafi.

Good on ya', sport.

© Barmy Army