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The Journey of a Cult can be defined by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or coaches propose a new and transcendent idea offering a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment overseas. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from within. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering through the lines and is being led away in secrecy to a different team elsewhere.

Do you recall the beginning, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects offer a new start, hope for a future, love, salvation within a community with shared faith in the method.

What was this thing initially? A team united basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of the captain in his final form, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, beard made of wood, untamed style, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and notice he’s fielding on the ground stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature formally attired, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the energy, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These ideas can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the fury, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss feels overblown, overdone. England batted badly during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated while bowling in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by the opponent imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, obliterated, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the simple basics of Scott Boland, marking his wickets modestly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching the next match, we have now reached a critical juncture in the story of this approach. Victory is possible in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it appears we may see the final stage.

Ahead of this, several aspects to consider on the topic. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which was helpful as it’s known the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers respond with anger rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

Recent events lately is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Social media is furious, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged followers overseas disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context 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 as part of your identity culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a private event, a restricted environment with two hundred years of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of England, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The team have been enclosed within this world from a young age. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

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