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The Life Cycle of a Cult is often marked by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or coaches present a new and transcendent idea that promises a panacea for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. One individual, naked, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has emerged through the lines and is removed with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the start, when everything was fresh? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders promise a new start, hope for a future, support, redemption within a community who all believe in the method.

How did it feel back then? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Body art. Forearms. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, England’s players will claim Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the captain in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, rugged appearance, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and find him positioned on the ground bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the batsman often seen to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the atmosphere, initially, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of mantras. These beliefs can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The reaction, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss feels overblown, too much. The performance was poor on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart defensively for a couple of hours when tactics failed, manipulated by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the pile-on, the anger, the view of the sport as a failure. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, obliterated, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the bowler, seen enjoying his wickets with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Problems arise because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, approaching the next match, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. They might succeed in the next Test through aggressive play. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it feels like we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to note about this. Previously, at the start, of optimism and energy, an piece was published labeling it a movement. People were very angry, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Social media is furious, critical analysts, images of frustrated travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions and have developed as part of your identity from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, a private event, an insular community with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up in this environment from a young age. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their past, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a leader encouraging individuality as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Stay present. Confront risks. However much you change, things stay similar.

With this mind, now is the time to offer compassion for the approach, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with