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The Journey of a Cult tends to be defined by specific steps.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads present a revolutionary approach that promises a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to confront the system down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the sidelines. A lone figure, vulnerable, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has stumbled from the field and is taken aside under a blanket for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Do you recall the start, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Movement founders offer a new start, optimism ahead, camaraderie, redemption together united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent back then? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Ink. Strength. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, ironically since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the thrill of the leader at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, rugged appearance, hair woven from beaver hide, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and see him playing at mid-off shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, resembling a cheerful animal formally attired, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the energy, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These ideas may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the fury, the disappointment post-defeat feels overblown, too much. England batted badly in Perth, as history shows. They were torn apart while bowling for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the attacks, the anger, the sense of English Test cricket as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, destroyed, defeated through sheer skill of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, marking successes humbly like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching the upcoming game, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the story of this thing. England could quite easily win in Brisbane with bold tactics. More likely, failure may follow. And if they do lose it seems we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note about this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is when its acolytes react defensively objecting to the questioning of its truths.

The developments recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset followers overseas disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have honed as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, it’s just a joke ultimately.

Here lies the truth. It’s all cults. The style was a trend since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, an elite gathering, an insular community with two hundred years of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the early image-makers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been sealed up in this environment since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their upbringing, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a leader encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to have some sympathy for the approach, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with