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The Evolution of a Cult is often characterized by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or coaches propose an innovative concept offering a solution for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from within. An isolated player, exposed, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently in chicken blood, has come staggering into view and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

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

2. Initial Adoration

Team architects promise a fresh beginning, hope for a future, camaraderie, success among a group with shared faith in the method.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Tattoos. Strength. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The squad insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know the concept. It’s the batsman attempting a move so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: pensive Nordic god, strong features, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to look down and notice he’s fielding in the field stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman often seen speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the atmosphere, initially, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced by rote learning of key phrases. These principles can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The backlash, the anger, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, too much. The performance was poor during the match, as is typical there. They were savaged in the field in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the batsman playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with aura.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the frustration, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be purged, flame-throwered, destroyed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, out there celebrating successes with a bashful smile similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on anger towards critics.

In truth, 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. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it feels like we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note on the topic. More than two years ago, at the start, of passion and hope, a column appeared labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which was helpful because everyone knows the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is when its acolytes respond with anger rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, 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 ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a group, an elite gathering, a closed world with a long history of ceremonial past behind it. It has long been where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of England, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been isolated in this environment from a young age. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their own experience, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a mentor who wants you to be yourself as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with