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The Evolution of a Cult tends to be defined by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or figureheads introduce a revolutionary approach that promises a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has stumbled into view and is taken aside in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

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

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects offer a reboot, hope for a future, camaraderie, success among a group who all believe in the philosophy.

What was this thing initially? A team united enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, England’s players will claim Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s the player executing a stroke so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, rugged appearance, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to notice and notice he’s fielding on the ground stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman often seen addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, expressing thoughts like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the energy, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Development stage. Unity enforced through repetition of key phrases. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. England batted badly on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged while bowling in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by the batsman playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the frustration, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, marking his wickets with a bashful smile similar to getting a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, approaching the next match, we are at a delicious point of tension in the story of this thing. Victory is possible in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. Should they fail it seems we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying about this. More than two years ago, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which demonstrated since it’s clear the best way of proving lack of cult status is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s just a joke ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The style was a trend since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a private event, an insular community with a long history of tradition and mystery defining it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been sealed up in this environment from a young age. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their upbringing, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with a new team and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

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

Considering this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, which are significant. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with