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The Life Cycle of a Cult can be defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or leaders propose a new and transcendent idea pledging a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment overseas. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. An isolated player, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body as a symbol, has come staggering into view and is taken aside with discretion for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Do you recall the start, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, support, redemption among a group united in belief in the philosophy.

What was this thing initially? Players celebrating enjoying success. Body art. Forearms. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Of course, England’s players insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the player executing a stroke so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of the captain at his peak, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to look down and find him positioned at mid-off stripped to the waist embracing nature.

It’s the opener often seen speaking publicly, resembling a joyful figure formally attired, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The criticism, the fury, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, too much. England batted badly in Perth, as is typical there. They were torn apart in the field for a couple of hours when tactics failed, carved around by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the criticism, the anger, the sense of English Test cricket as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be purged, obliterated, destroyed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, out there celebrating achievements with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. However, faults are ignored. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

The fact remains, half a week out from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the journey of this thing. Victory is possible in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it appears we may see the final stage.

Prior to that, a couple of points worth saying on the topic. Previously, at the start, of passion and hope, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which proved the point as it’s known the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters react defensively objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

Recent events recently is just as interesting. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, critical analysts, pictures of upset supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, like a room full of investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have honed as part of your identity from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

This is the core issue. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a group, a private event, an insular community with a long history of tradition and mystery behind it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the early image-makers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

The team have been sealed up within this world for years. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their own experience, creating another a bubble, a closed circle, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with