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The Evolution of a Cult can be defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A dominant personality or figureheads introduce an innovative concept pledging a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to storm the compound in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from within. A lone figure, vulnerable, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has stumbled from the field and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Remember the beginning, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, support, redemption among a group united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent back then? A team united basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The team insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of the captain in ultimate mode, a look that says: focused titan, strong features, hair woven from beaver hide, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and notice he’s fielding on the ground stripped to the waist embracing nature.

It’s the opener still being allowed speaking publicly, out there looking like a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the vibe, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the fury, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat appears excessive, unwarranted. England batted badly during the match, as is typical there. They were savaged in the field during a brief period when tactics failed, outplayed by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the perception of the team as a failure. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, obliterated, overwhelmed via traditional methods of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, out there celebrating successes modestly similar to getting a pleasant gift. What impact will this have?

4. Hate Bonding

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

In truth, a few days before the next match, we have now reached a critical juncture in the lifespan of this movement. They might succeed in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. Should they fail it seems we really might be entering the decline.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note regarding this. In the past, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, a column appeared labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which was helpful because everyone knows how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is should followers respond with anger rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, pictures of upset supporters abroad missing out on play, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have developed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s not serious ultimately.

This is the core issue. It’s all cults. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a group, a garden party, a closed world with a long history of ceremonial past behind it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed in this system from a young age. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their past, forming a new circle, a limited community, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a leader promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to offer compassion for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with