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The Evolution of a Cult can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or coaches introduce a revolutionary approach that promises a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to storm the compound down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from within. One individual, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently in chicken blood, has emerged through the lines and is being led away under a blanket to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders promise a new start, hope for a future, camaraderie, success within a community who all believe in the method.

What was this thing initially? A team united feeling good. Ink. Strength. Focus. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players 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 executing a stroke so outrageous it defies description. It’s the thrill of the captain at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, natural look, genuinely raw you almost imagine to notice and see him playing on the ground shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman often seen to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a joyful figure formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the energy, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the outrage, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss appears excessive, unwarranted. The batting collapsed during the match, as is typical there. They were savaged while bowling in a short span when tactics failed, carved around by the opponent batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

Currently, we see the attacks, the anger, the view of the sport as a failure. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, obliterated, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, out there celebrating successes humbly as if receiving a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge due to setbacks. However, faults are ignored. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

Ultimately, approaching from the second Test, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. England could quite easily win in Brisbane with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it feels like we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to consider about this. More than two years ago, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which proved the point since it’s clear a method to show lack of cult status is when its acolytes respond with anger rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

The developments lately are fascinating. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed to distinguish yourselves from others, it’s just a joke ultimately.

This is the core issue. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

The team have been sealed up in this system from a young age. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their upbringing, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, but now with 15 cool guys and a mentor who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. However much you change, things stay similar.

Considering this, now is the time to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with