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The Evolution of a Cult tends to be characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or leaders propose an innovative concept offering a panacea for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system overseas. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from within. An isolated player, vulnerable, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body as a symbol, has come staggering from the field and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders promise a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, success within a community united in belief in the big idea.

What was this thing at first? A team united basking in glory. Ink. Forearms. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, which is funny as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so depraved it defies description. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes at his peak, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, natural look, truly contemporary you half-expect to glance over and find him positioned on the ground bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a happy little woodland creature formally attired, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the energy, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The criticism, the fury, the disappointment following the initial loss seems too strong, unwarranted. The performance was poor on the field, as is typical there. They were dominated defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the pile-on, the rage, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be scoured, flame-throwered, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, marking achievements humbly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, a few days before the next match, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the story of this thing. England could quite easily win in Brisbane through aggressive play. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it appears we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to consider regarding this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, an piece was published calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which demonstrated since it’s clear the best way of proving lack of cult status is when its acolytes respond with anger rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

What has happened recently are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. Social media is furious, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions and have developed as part of your identity from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a clique, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the original sports washers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, but now with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to offer compassion for the movement, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with