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The Journey of a Cult is often defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches introduce a new and transcendent idea pledging a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to storm the compound overseas. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. An isolated player, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering into view and is removed with discretion for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Remember the start, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, support, success within a community with shared faith in the big idea.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Ink. Forearms. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the player attempting a move so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, truly contemporary you half-expect to notice and find him positioned at mid-off bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the batsman still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Cohesion maintained via memorization of mantras. These ideas can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the anger, the disappointment following the initial loss feels overblown, unwarranted. The performance was poor on the field, as is typical there. They were dominated in the field during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, the frustration, the sense of English Test cricket as a kind of abomination. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, seen enjoying his wickets modestly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, half a week out the next match, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible in the next Test through aggressive play. More likely, failure may follow. Should they fail it feels like we may see the decline.

Prior to that, several aspects worth saying about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of passion and hope, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is if supporters react defensively objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

What has happened recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated travelling fans disappointed by the short match, like a room full of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions and have developed as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, a garden party, a closed world with a long history of tradition and mystery supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the early image-makers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been sealed up in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but now with 15 cool guys and a mentor promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Embrace challenges. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with