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The Journey of a Cult tends to be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches propose an innovative concept that promises a cure for struggling players.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment overseas. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from within. An isolated player, vulnerable, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering into view and is removed with discretion for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Do you ever miss the start, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects offer a new start, hope for a future, love, success within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

How did it feel at first? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Tattoos. Muscles. Focus. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The squad insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it defies description. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, strong features, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to notice and see him playing at mid-off stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener often seen addressing the media, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Unity enforced via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The backlash, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, overdone. England batted badly in Perth, as history shows. They were savaged defensively in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by Travis Head batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with aura.

And now we have this the criticism, the frustration, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be purged, destroyed, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the bowler, out there celebrating his wickets modestly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Challenges surface because of mistakes. However, faults are ignored. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

Ultimately, half a week out from the second Test, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the lifespan of this approach. They might succeed overseas through aggressive play. Probably, failure may follow. Should they fail it seems we really might be entering the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points to note about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, an piece was published calling it a phenomenon. People were very angry, which demonstrated as it’s known a method to show lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger rejecting criticism of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s not serious after all.

Here lies the truth. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with centuries of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been sealed up in this environment from a young age. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their upbringing, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, however with 15 cool guys and a coach encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Confront risks. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with