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The Journey of a Phenomenon can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or coaches present a revolutionary approach pledging a panacea for struggling players.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment in Australia. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from within. An isolated player, exposed, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body as a symbol, has come staggering into view and is removed under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the beginning, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a new start, optimism ahead, love, success together who all believe in the big idea.

What did it represent initially? A team united basking in glory. Body art. Strength. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Of course, England’s players insist it’s not a real term, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s the player playing a shot so depraved it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, truly contemporary you almost imagine to look down and notice he’s fielding in the field bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission addressing the media, resembling a happy little woodland creature formally attired, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Cohesion maintained via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The criticism, the outrage, the feeling of letdown post-defeat feels overblown, overdone. England batted badly during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated in the field during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the rage, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be purged, obliterated, destroyed via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, seen enjoying successes modestly like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. What impact will this have?

4. External Conflict

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

In truth, a few days before the next match, we are at a critical juncture in the lifespan of this movement. Victory is possible in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. In case of defeat it feels like we may see the decline.

Prior to that, several aspects to note regarding this. In the past, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which demonstrated as it’s known the best way of proving lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days is just as interesting. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans missing out on play, similar to investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions and have developed as part of your identity culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. Or at least, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, a private event, a closed world with two hundred years of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. It has long been where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of England, the early image-makers. And notably, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been isolated within this world since childhood. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their upbringing, forming a new circle, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. However much you change, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with