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The Journey of a Phenomenon is often marked by distinct phases.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or coaches introduce a new and transcendent idea pledging a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. They’re getting ready to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from within. One individual, vulnerable, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently in chicken blood, has stumbled into view and is being led away with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you recall the beginning, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, love, redemption together united in belief in the philosophy.

What was this thing back then? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Determination. Confident masculinity. Of course, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of the leader in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, untamed style, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and find him positioned in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener still being allowed to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a joyful figure formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the energy, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced via memorization of key phrases. These beliefs can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The backlash, the outrage, the disappointment post-defeat appears excessive, overdone. The batting collapsed in Perth, as history shows. They were savaged in the field for a couple of hours when tactics failed, carved around by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the attacks, the anger, 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 via traditional methods of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, seen enjoying achievements humbly as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

Ultimately, half a week out the next match, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane with bold tactics. More likely, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we may see the final stage.

Prior to that, there are two things to consider about this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of its truths.

What has happened lately are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, images of frustrated travelling fans missing out on play, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions and have developed as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, an elite gathering, a closed world with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed in this environment from a young age. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their own experience, building another enclosure, a limited community, but now with 15 cool guys and a coach who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with