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The Journey of a Cult tends to be characterized by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads introduce an innovative concept offering a panacea for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from within. A lone figure, vulnerable, shivering, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a symbol, has stumbled into view and is removed under a blanket to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you ever miss the beginning, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects promise a new start, a brighter tomorrow, support, redemption together with shared faith in the method.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Body art. Forearms. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The team often say they don’t use the label, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the player attempting a move so unconventional it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to look down and find him positioned on the ground stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, appearing as a cheerful animal smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the energy, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These principles can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the fury, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, overdone. England batted badly on the field, as is typical there. They were savaged defensively in a short span as plans unraveled, carved around by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the criticism, the frustration, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, destroyed, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, marking successes with a bashful smile as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

The fact remains, half a week out the next match, we have now reached a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. Victory is possible overseas through aggressive play. More likely, failure may follow. In case of defeat it seems we could be witnessing the decline.

Ahead of this, several aspects to consider about this. Previously, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, 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 beliefs.

What has happened lately is just as interesting. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, the methods you value and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a group, an elite gathering, a closed world with a long history of ceremonial past supporting it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed within this world since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their own experience, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the approach, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with