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

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or figureheads propose an innovative concept pledging a solution for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Signs of trouble appear from within. One individual, naked, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body in chicken blood, has emerged from the field and is removed in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you recall the beginning, when the world was still young? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders promise a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation among a group with shared faith in the philosophy.

What did it represent initially? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Ink. Strength. Focus. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The squad insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to glance over and see him playing on the ground shirtless embracing nature.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission addressing the media, out there looking like a joyful figure smartly dressed, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. And yes, the vibe, initially, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Cohesion maintained through repetition of mantras. These beliefs are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the fury, the sense of betrayal post-defeat feels overblown, unwarranted. The batting collapsed on the field, as is typical there. They were dominated in the field during a brief period when tactics failed, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with brilliance.

Now there is the pile-on, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, seen enjoying achievements with a bashful smile as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

The fact remains, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at an intriguing moment in the journey of this approach. They might succeed overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we could be witnessing the final stage.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying on the topic. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is when its acolytes react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

Recent events recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, the methods you value and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, it’s not serious ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, a private event, a restricted environment with two hundred years of ceremonial past supporting it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed within this world from a young age. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, a closed circle, however with a new team and a mentor promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with