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The Journey of a Cult tends to be characterized by specific steps.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads introduce an innovative concept that promises a panacea for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. One individual, vulnerable, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a symbol, has emerged through the lines and is taken aside under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you recall the early days, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders guarantee a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, love, redemption together united in belief in the method.

How did it feel back then? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Body art. Muscles. Determination. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The team often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s the player attempting a move so depraved it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, untamed style, truly contemporary you half-expect to look down and find him positioned in the field shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, overdone. The performance was poor during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated in the field for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, outplayed by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the pile-on, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be purged, obliterated, defeated by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of the veteran, marking successes with a bashful smile as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Challenges surface from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It turns to hostility externally.

Ultimately, half a week out from the second Test, we have now reached a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. England could quite easily win in Brisbane with bold tactics. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it seems we could be witnessing the decline.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying about this. More than two years ago, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. People were very angry, which was helpful as it’s known the best way of proving lack of cult status is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

Recent events lately are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, the methods you value and have honed as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s not serious ultimately.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. The style was a trend since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a group, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with centuries of tradition and mystery supporting it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of the British, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been enclosed in this system since childhood. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their upbringing, building another enclosure, a limited community, but now with 15 cool guys and a leader encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with