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The Evolution of a Cult is often defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads present a revolutionary approach pledging a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to confront the system overseas. Pressure is mounting. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. An isolated player, exposed, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has stumbled into view and is being led away with discretion for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Remember the start, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a reboot, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

What did it represent back then? A team united feeling good. Body art. Strength. Focus. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The team will claim they don’t use the label, ironically as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the thrill of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, natural look, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and find him positioned on the ground stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission addressing the media, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Unity enforced via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the outrage, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, overdone. The performance was poor in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the attacks, the anger, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be purged, obliterated, defeated through sheer skill of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, seen enjoying successes with a bashful smile similar to getting a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching the upcoming game, we’ve entered a delicious point of tension in the story of this approach. They might succeed overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it appears we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Prior to that, a couple of points to note about this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, exists the larger scene of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, stating, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. This has always been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been enclosed in this environment since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their upbringing, forming a new circle, a closed circle, however with a new team and a leader who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Confront risks. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, now is the time to have some sympathy for the movement, to acknowledge its merits, which are significant. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with