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The Journey of a Cult tends to be marked by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or coaches propose an innovative concept that promises a panacea for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Signs of trouble appear from the out-houses. An isolated player, exposed, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering through the lines and is taken aside under a blanket for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the start, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Movement founders promise a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, support, redemption within a community who all believe in the big idea.

What was this thing initially? Players celebrating basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The squad will claim they don’t use the label, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to look down and find him positioned in the field shirtless embracing nature.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission speaking publicly, out there looking like a joyful figure in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Cohesion maintained through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss appears excessive, overdone. The performance was poor in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, carved around by Travis Head batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the pile-on, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, seen enjoying his wickets humbly as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise because of mistakes. However, faults are ignored. It turns to anger towards critics.

In truth, approaching from the second Test, we have now reached an intriguing moment in the journey of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane with bold tactics. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it seems we really might be entering the final stage.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to consider on the topic. In the past, at the start, of passion and hope, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which was helpful because everyone knows a method to show something definitely isn’t a cult is when its acolytes respond with anger denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

Recent events lately is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, the methods you value and have developed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, a garden party, an insular community with two hundred years of tradition and mystery supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the early image-makers. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been sealed up in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, however with a modern squad and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Stay present. Confront risks. But no matter how fast and far you run, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with