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The Journey of a Movement is often marked by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or coaches introduce a new and transcendent idea offering a panacea for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to storm the compound in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. One individual, exposed, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has emerged into view and is taken aside with discretion for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Do you recall the early days, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders promise a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation together who all believe in the big idea.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Tattoos. Strength. Determination. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it defies description. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes at his peak, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and notice he’s fielding at mid-off shirtless holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett continuing to have permission addressing the media, appearing as a cheerful animal formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the energy, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Unity enforced by rote learning of mantras. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The criticism, the outrage, the sense of betrayal post-defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. England batted badly on the field, as is typical there. They were torn apart defensively during a brief period as plans unraveled, carved around by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with brilliance.

And now we have this the pile-on, the rage, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be scoured, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of Scott Boland, marking achievements with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface because of mistakes. But the cult cannot admit errors. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

The fact remains, approaching from the second Test, we have now reached a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. They might succeed in the next Test with bold tactics. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it seems we may see the death cult phase.

Prior to that, several aspects to consider on the topic. More than two years ago, at the start, of light and heat, an piece was published calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which proved the point as it’s known a method to show lack of cult status is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of its truths.

Recent events recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, the methods you value and have developed as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a private event, a closed world with centuries of tradition and mystery behind it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the early image-makers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up in this environment for years. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their past, forming a new circle, a limited community, but now with a modern squad and a mentor who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the movement, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with