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The Life Cycle of a Cult is often defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A dominant personality or leaders present a revolutionary approach pledging a panacea for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. One individual, exposed, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a symbol, has emerged through the lines and is being led away with discretion to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you ever miss the beginning, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders promise a new start, optimism ahead, camaraderie, redemption together united in belief in the big idea.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Tattoos. Forearms. Focus. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The squad insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically as it’s denied, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so unconventional it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, beard made of wood, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and find him positioned at mid-off stripped to the waist embracing nature.

It’s the opener still being allowed to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a joyful figure smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Building period. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of key phrases. These ideas can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the outrage, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, unwarranted. England batted badly during the match, as is typical there. They were torn apart in the field for a couple of hours when tactics failed, outplayed by the opponent batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the bowler, marking his wickets with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, approaching the upcoming game, we are at an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this movement. Victory is possible in the next Test with bold tactics. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it seems we could be witnessing the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, at the start, of light and heat, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which demonstrated as it’s known the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers respond with anger denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

The developments lately are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have developed as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s not serious in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, a private event, a restricted environment with centuries of ceremonial past defining it. This has always been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the original sports washers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been isolated in this environment since childhood. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their past, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, but now with a modern squad and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to show understanding for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with