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The Journey of a Cult can be characterized by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or figureheads introduce a revolutionary approach offering a solution for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment in Australia. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering from the field and is removed with discretion for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders offer a new start, hope for a future, support, salvation together with shared faith in the method.

How did it feel initially? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Muscles. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the batsman playing a shot so depraved it defies description. It’s the excitement of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and find him positioned at mid-off stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman still being allowed to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure in a waistcoat, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced by rote learning of key phrases. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the anger, the disappointment post-defeat appears excessive, overdone. England batted badly in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the pile-on, the anger, the perception of the team as a failure. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be purged, obliterated, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the veteran, marking achievements humbly as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

In truth, approaching the upcoming game, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this movement. They might succeed in Brisbane through aggressive play. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we may see the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, there are two things to consider on the topic. Previously, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, an piece was published calling it a phenomenon. People were very angry, which was helpful as it’s known how to confirm lack of cult status is if supporters react defensively denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

What has happened in the last few days are fascinating. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, images of frustrated travelling fans disappointed by the short match, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, claiming, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a group, an elite gathering, a closed world with centuries of tradition and mystery defining it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a structure of hidden ranks, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed within this world since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their upbringing, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, but now 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 remain stuck.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with