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The Journey of a Cult is often defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads present a new and transcendent idea that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment in Australia. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from within. One individual, exposed, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a symbol, has stumbled from the field and is taken aside in secrecy for a temporary assignment at Derbyshire.

Remember the beginning, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects guarantee a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, love, success among a group united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent at first? Players celebrating basking in glory. Tattoos. Forearms. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The team insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s the player playing a shot so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in his final form, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, genuinely raw you almost imagine to glance over and notice he’s fielding at mid-off stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The reaction, the outrage, the feeling of letdown post-defeat seems too strong, too much. The batting collapsed in Perth, as history shows. They were savaged while bowling during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the pile-on, the rage, the view of the sport as a failure. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, obliterated, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, marking achievements with a bashful smile as if receiving a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hostility externally.

In truth, a few days before the upcoming game, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it seems we may see the death cult phase.

Prior to that, there are two things to consider about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, an piece was published labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is should followers react defensively denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

What has happened lately are fascinating. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Social media is furious, critical analysts, pictures of upset supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, the methods you value and have honed to distinguish yourselves from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a garden party, a restricted environment with a long history of tradition and mystery supporting it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of England, the early image-makers. And notably, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

The players have been isolated in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but now with a modern squad and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with