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

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or coaches propose a revolutionary approach that promises a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from within. A lone figure, exposed, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body as a statement, has come staggering from the field and is taken aside in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

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

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects promise a new start, optimism ahead, camaraderie, success within a community who all believe in the big idea.

How did it feel initially? Players celebrating basking in glory. Body art. Forearms. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The team insist it’s not a real term, ironically since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

But we know what it is. It’s the batsman playing a shot so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and find him positioned on the ground shirtless embracing nature.

It’s the batsman often seen to talk in press conferences, resembling a happy little woodland creature formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the energy, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These principles are often illogical to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the fury, the feeling of letdown post-defeat appears excessive, unwarranted. England batted badly in Perth, as is typical there. They were torn apart while bowling in a short span when tactics failed, carved around by the opponent imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with aura.

And now we have this the pile-on, the anger, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, destroyed, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, out there celebrating his wickets humbly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, a few days before from the second Test, we’ve entered a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. In case of defeat it feels like we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying on the topic. In the past, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which proved the point since it’s clear how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers respond with anger rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

Recent events lately are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have developed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a clique, a private event, an insular community with a long history of ceremonial past behind it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed within this world for years. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their past, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but now with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with