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

1. The Grand Vision

A dominant personality or leaders present a revolutionary approach offering a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest as a symbol, has come staggering through the lines and is taken aside in secrecy for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the start, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders offer a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, love, redemption within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

What was this thing at first? Players celebrating feeling good. Body art. Strength. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The team will claim they don’t use the label, ironically since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

But we know what it is. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, beard made of wood, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and find him positioned at mid-off bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the opener often seen addressing the media, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the atmosphere, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Building period. Unity enforced via memorization of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The backlash, the fury, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss seems too strong, unwarranted. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were savaged defensively in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, the frustration, the view of the sport as a failure. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the veteran, out there celebrating achievements modestly as if receiving a pleasant gift. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hostility externally.

In truth, half a week out from the second Test, we’ve entered a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. England could quite easily win overseas with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it seems we could be witnessing the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to consider regarding this. Previously, at the start, of optimism and energy, an piece was published labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which demonstrated as it’s known the best way of proving lack of cult status is if supporters react defensively objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a clique, an elite gathering, an insular community with two hundred years of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been enclosed within this world for years. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their upbringing, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but now with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Confront risks. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to have some sympathy for the approach, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with