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The Life Cycle of a Cult can be marked by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose a revolutionary approach pledging a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to confront the system in Australia. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from within. One individual, vulnerable, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has come staggering into view and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Initial Adoration

Movement founders guarantee a new start, optimism ahead, love, success among a group united in belief in the big idea.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Ink. Forearms. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, England’s players will claim it’s not a real term, amusingly as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know the concept. It’s the player executing a stroke so unconventional it defies description. It’s the excitement of the leader in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, natural look, truly contemporary you half-expect to look down and see him playing on the ground bare-chested 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, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the energy, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced through repetition of key phrases. These ideas can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the fury, the feeling of letdown post-defeat appears excessive, too much. The batting collapsed during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart defensively for a couple of hours when tactics failed, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with brilliance.

And now we have this the attacks, the rage, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, defeated by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, out there celebrating successes with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, half a week out the next match, we are at an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this approach. England could quite easily win in Brisbane with bold tactics. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it appears we may see the final stage.

Prior to that, several aspects to consider on the topic. In the past, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which proved the point because everyone knows a method to show lack of cult status is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

Recent events lately is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, pictures of upset followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, stating, the methods you value and have developed as part of your identity culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, a garden party, an insular community with a long history of tradition and mystery defining it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of England, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The team have been sealed up in this system for years. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are just repeating their own experience, forming a new circle, a limited community, but now with a modern squad and a coach encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with