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The Journey of a Cult can be marked by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches propose a new and transcendent idea pledging a panacea for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. One individual, exposed, shivering, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body as a symbol, has stumbled into view and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders promise a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, love, salvation among a group united in belief in the philosophy.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating enjoying success. Body art. Muscles. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, a look that says: focused titan, strong features, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to notice and notice he’s fielding on the ground shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. A New Life

Growth phase. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These beliefs can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Am I alone? The backlash, the outrage, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat seems too strong, overdone. The batting collapsed on the field, as is typical there. They were torn apart in the field for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with brilliance.

And now we have this the criticism, the frustration, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, seen enjoying successes with a bashful smile similar to getting a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

The fact remains, half a week out from the second Test, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the journey of this thing. They might succeed in the next Test with bold tactics. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. Should they fail it appears we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Before that happens, several aspects worth saying regarding this. Previously, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which proved the point as it’s known a method to show something definitely isn’t a cult is when its acolytes react defensively denying scrutiny of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas disappointed by the short match, similar to people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, stating, hey, that thing you love and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a clique, a garden party, a restricted environment with centuries of ceremonial past behind it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the original sports washers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

The team have been enclosed within this world for years. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their own experience, building another enclosure, a limited community, but now with a new team and a mentor who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the movement, to recognize its positives, which are significant. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with