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

1. The Core Concept

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

So here we are. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment overseas. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a statement, has stumbled from the field and is being led away in secrecy for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

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

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation together united in belief in the method.

How did it feel at first? Players celebrating feeling good. Ink. Strength. Focus. Confident masculinity. Of course, The squad insist they don’t use the label, ironically since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know the concept. It’s the player attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the leader in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, strong features, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to glance over and find him positioned in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a joyful figure smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the atmosphere, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Unity enforced via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These principles can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the sense of betrayal post-defeat feels overblown, overdone. The batting collapsed in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged defensively in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the batsman batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, a man playing with aura.

Currently, we see the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, obliterated, destroyed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, 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

Challenges surface because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

In truth, approaching from the second Test, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the journey of this thing. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. Probably, failure may follow. Should they fail it feels like we may see the final stage.

Ahead of this, several aspects to note regarding this. More than two years ago, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which demonstrated because everyone knows how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is should followers react defensively denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

The developments in the last few days are fascinating. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, the methods you value and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from others, it’s not serious after all.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a garden party, a closed world with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been isolated in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their own experience, building another enclosure, a limited community, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a leader encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. However much you change, things stay similar.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to have some sympathy for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with