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The Evolution of a Cult can be characterized by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or figureheads present a revolutionary approach offering a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from within. One individual, exposed, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a symbol, has emerged through the lines and is removed under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Remember the early days, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders offer a reboot, hope for a future, love, redemption among a group united in belief in the philosophy.

What was this thing at first? A team united basking in glory. Tattoos. Forearms. Focus. Confident masculinity. Of course, England’s players insist it’s not a real term, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

But we know its essence. It’s the player attempting a move so unconventional it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: focused titan, beard made of wood, natural look, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and notice he’s fielding 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 joyful figure in a waistcoat, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the energy, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Cohesion maintained through repetition of mantras. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the sense of betrayal post-defeat feels overblown, overdone. The performance was poor on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart in the field for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

And now we have this the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a failure. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, defeated through sheer skill of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, seen enjoying successes humbly as if receiving a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It turns to hostility externally.

Ultimately, a few days before from the second Test, we have now reached a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it feels like we really might be entering the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points to consider about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of passion and hope, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which proved the point because everyone knows how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days are equally notable. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset followers overseas disappointed by the short match, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s not serious ultimately.

And this is the real point. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, a garden party, a closed world with a long history of tradition and mystery defining it. It has long been where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been sealed up within this world from a young age. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their own experience, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, however with a new team and a mentor encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the movement, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with