🔗 Share this article

The Life Cycle of a Cult can be characterized by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or leaders propose an innovative concept pledging a panacea for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from within. A lone figure, naked, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body as a statement, has emerged into view and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Do you recall the beginning, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation together with shared faith in the philosophy.

What did it represent back then? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Body art. Forearms. Determination. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The team insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it defies description. It’s the excitement of the leader in his final form, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and find him positioned at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission addressing the media, appearing as a cheerful animal formally attired, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the energy, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Building period. Cohesion maintained via memorization of key phrases. These beliefs are often illogical to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the outrage, the feeling of letdown post-defeat seems too strong, too much. England batted badly during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart while bowling for a couple of hours when tactics failed, carved around by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the simple basics of the veteran, out there celebrating his wickets with a bashful smile similar to getting a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on anger towards critics.

In truth, a few days before the upcoming game, we’ve entered an intriguing moment in the journey of this movement. They might succeed in Brisbane through aggressive play. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it seems we may see the death cult phase.

Before that happens, several aspects to note about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of passion and hope, an piece was published labeling it a movement. People were very angry, which proved the point because everyone knows how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of its truths.

What has happened recently are fascinating. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans missing out on play, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity from others, it’s not serious after all.

This is the core issue. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, a private event, a restricted environment with centuries of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

The team have been enclosed within this world from a young age. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, a limited community, however with a modern squad and a leader encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Embrace challenges. But no matter how fast and far you run, 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