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The Life Cycle of a Cult can be characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or leaders propose a revolutionary approach offering a solution for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Plans are in motion to storm the compound overseas. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from within. One individual, exposed, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest as a statement, has emerged through the lines and is removed with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you recall the early days, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects guarantee a new start, hope for a future, camaraderie, salvation among a group who all believe in the philosophy.

What did it represent back then? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Body art. Forearms. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Of course, The squad often say it’s not a real term, amusingly since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

But we know its essence. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to look down and see him playing in the field bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett often seen speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the vibe, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced via memorization of key phrases. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the fury, the disappointment following the initial loss seems too strong, too much. The performance was poor in Perth, as is typical there. They were savaged in the field for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the pile-on, the frustration, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, obliterated, defeated through sheer skill of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, marking achievements modestly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching from the second Test, we are at a critical juncture in the lifespan of this movement. They might succeed in Brisbane through aggressive play. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it seems we may see the final stage.

Before that happens, several aspects worth saying about this. More than two years ago, at the start, of passion and hope, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which proved the point as it’s known the best way of proving lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger denying scrutiny of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, images of frustrated supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s not serious ultimately.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a clique, a private event, an insular community with a long history of ceremonial past defining it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed within this world for years. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their own experience, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with a modern squad and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with