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The Journey of a Cult is often characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose a new and transcendent idea offering a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from the sidelines. One individual, naked, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body in chicken blood, has come staggering through the lines and is taken aside in secrecy to a different team at Derbyshire.

Remember the beginning, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects promise a reboot, optimism ahead, love, success among a group united in belief in the method.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Body art. Strength. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Of course, The team insist it’s not a real term, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

But we know what it is. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes at his peak, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and see him playing at mid-off bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener still being allowed addressing the media, out there looking like a cheerful animal formally attired, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The reaction, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, overdone. England batted badly in Perth, as is typical there. They were torn apart while bowling for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Currently, we see the attacks, the rage, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, destroyed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, seen enjoying successes with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hostility externally.

In truth, a few days before the upcoming game, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the journey of this approach. Victory is possible in the next Test through aggressive play. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it feels like we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, there are two things to note regarding this. In the past, at the start, of optimism and energy, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which was helpful as it’s known how to confirm lack of cult status is if supporters react defensively denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

Recent events recently is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a circle, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed in this environment from a young age. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their upbringing, creating another a bubble, a closed circle, but doing it this time with a new team and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Stay present. Confront risks. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

Considering this, now is the time to have some sympathy for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with