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

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads introduce a revolutionary approach that promises a cure for disconnected individuals.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. One individual, vulnerable, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a symbol, has emerged from the field and is taken aside in secrecy to a different team elsewhere.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders guarantee a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, support, salvation among a group united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent at first? Players celebrating enjoying success. Body art. Strength. Focus. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The team will claim Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and notice he’s fielding at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed addressing the media, out there looking like a cheerful animal formally attired, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the atmosphere, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Cohesion maintained through repetition of key phrases. These principles can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the outrage, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, unwarranted. The batting collapsed during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged while bowling in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by Travis Head batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the perception of the team as a failure. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they must be humbled, to be purged, flame-throwered, defeated via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, seen enjoying his wickets modestly as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Problems arise because of mistakes. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, a few days before from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the journey of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. Should they fail it appears we could be witnessing the final stage.

Prior to that, several aspects to consider regarding this. Previously, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, an piece was published labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which proved the point because everyone knows a method to show that it’s not a closed group is should followers react defensively denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

The developments recently is just as interesting. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, pictures of upset travelling fans missing out on play, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from others, it’s just a joke ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a garden party, a restricted environment with centuries of tradition and mystery behind it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the early image-makers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed in this system since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their own experience, forming a new circle, a limited community, however with a modern squad and a leader promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with