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The Life Cycle of a Cult tends to be characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads introduce a new and transcendent idea that promises a solution for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. They’re getting ready to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the sidelines. One individual, vulnerable, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a statement, has come staggering into view and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Initial Adoration

Team architects offer a reboot, optimism ahead, support, salvation among a group united in belief in the philosophy.

How did it feel at first? Players celebrating enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Of course, The team will claim Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know the concept. It’s the player playing a shot so depraved it defies description. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes in his final form, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, strong features, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and notice he’s fielding at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure in a waistcoat, expressing thoughts like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of mantras. These principles may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The backlash, the outrage, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were dominated defensively for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with brilliance.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, obliterated, destroyed through sheer skill of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the veteran, seen enjoying achievements with a bashful smile similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

In truth, approaching from the second Test, we have now reached a critical juncture in the journey of this thing. England could quite easily win in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it appears we may see the final stage.

Prior to that, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, at the start, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which demonstrated because everyone knows how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation with the aggressive tourists, claiming, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity from others, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. All movements are similar. The style was a trend since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, an elite gathering, a closed world with centuries of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the original sports washers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been enclosed in this environment since childhood. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their upbringing, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, however with a new team and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. However much you change, things stay similar.

Considering this, now is the time to have some sympathy for Bazball, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with