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The Evolution of a Cult can be characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose a revolutionary approach offering a panacea for disconnected individuals.

Thus we find ourselves. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. A lone figure, exposed, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently in chicken blood, has come staggering from the field and is taken aside with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Remember the early days, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders guarantee a reboot, optimism ahead, support, success among a group who all believe in the philosophy.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The team often say they don’t use the label, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s the player attempting a move so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, natural look, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and see him playing in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The criticism, the anger, the sense of betrayal post-defeat feels overblown, overdone. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were torn apart in the field in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by Travis Head batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the pile-on, the anger, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, seen enjoying successes with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. External Conflict

Problems arise due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

The fact remains, a few days before from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this movement. Victory is possible in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it feels like we could be witnessing the final stage.

Prior to that, there are two things to consider about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. 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 denying scrutiny of its truths.

What has happened in the last few days is just as interesting. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. Social media is furious, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have developed as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, it’s just a joke ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, a closed world with two hundred years of opaque and ritualistic cult history behind it. It has long been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of England, the early image-makers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed within this world from a young age. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their upbringing, building another enclosure, a limited community, but now with a new team and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. But no matter how fast and far you run, things stay similar.

Considering this, now is the time to show understanding for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with