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The Life Cycle of a Cult is often characterized by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or coaches introduce an innovative concept that promises a cure for disconnected individuals.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system overseas. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. One individual, exposed, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has stumbled from the field and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Do you ever miss the early days, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders guarantee a new start, optimism ahead, camaraderie, success together who all believe in the philosophy.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, The squad often say it’s not a real term, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the leader in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to notice and find him positioned at mid-off shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett continuing to have permission addressing the media, appearing as a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the atmosphere, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss appears excessive, unwarranted. The batting collapsed in Perth, as history shows. They were savaged while bowling in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by Travis Head batting like England but better, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with aura.

And now we have this the criticism, the anger, the view of the sport as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, destroyed, destroyed through sheer skill of the bowler’s action, the simple basics of the bowler, out there celebrating his wickets modestly like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. 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 thing. England could quite easily win in the next Test with bold tactics. More likely, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it feels like we may see the decline.

Before that happens, there are two things to note regarding this. In the past, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which demonstrated because everyone knows how to confirm lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger objecting to the questioning of its truths.

The developments in the last few days are fascinating. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, like a room full of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Conversely, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, an elite gathering, a closed world with a long history of tradition and mystery supporting it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been isolated in this environment since childhood. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their own experience, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, but now with 15 cool guys and a mentor who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with