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

1. The Grand Vision

A dominant personality or figureheads introduce an innovative concept that promises a panacea for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system overseas. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from within. One individual, exposed, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently in chicken blood, has emerged from the field and is being led away with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

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

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders promise a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, love, salvation together who all believe in the philosophy.

How did it feel at first? Players celebrating enjoying success. Tattoos. Muscles. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players often say they don’t use the label, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

But we know the concept. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the leader in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: focused titan, beard made of wood, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to look down and see him playing in the field bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the energy, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These beliefs can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the fury, the sense of betrayal post-defeat appears excessive, too much. England batted badly in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated while bowling during a brief period when tactics failed, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

And now we have this the pile-on, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, out there celebrating achievements with a bashful smile as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

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

In truth, a few days before from the second Test, we are at a critical juncture in the journey of this thing. England could quite easily win in Brisbane with bold tactics. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it feels like we really might be entering the final stage.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to consider about this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of passion and hope, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which was helpful since it’s clear how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

The developments lately are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has now become the cult. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, images of frustrated followers overseas missing out on play, similar to investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a circle, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of ceremonial past defining it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of England, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The team have been enclosed in this system for years. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are just repeating their own experience, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to offer compassion for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with