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The Evolution of a Cult can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches present a revolutionary approach pledging a solution for disconnected individuals.

Thus we find ourselves. They’re getting ready to storm the compound overseas. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from the sidelines. A lone figure, exposed, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a statement, has come staggering from the field and is removed with discretion for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the early days, when the world was still young? The era of early Bazball, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects promise a new start, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation among a group with shared faith in the philosophy.

What did it represent initially? Players celebrating enjoying success. Ink. Forearms. Determination. Confident masculinity. Of course, The team often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the thrill of the captain in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and find him positioned in the field shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the opener often seen speaking publicly, out there looking like a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. And yes, the vibe, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These principles may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the outrage, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss feels overblown, unwarranted. The batting collapsed in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged in the field during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a kind of abomination. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, destroyed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, marking his wickets with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching the upcoming game, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. Victory is possible overseas through aggressive play. More likely, they could lose just as quickly. Should they fail it feels like we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Before that happens, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which proved the point since it’s clear a method to show that it’s not a closed group is if supporters react defensively denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, images of frustrated followers overseas disappointed by the short match, similar to people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have developed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s not serious in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, an insular community with centuries of tradition and mystery supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the original sports washers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been isolated in this environment for years. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their own experience, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the approach, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with