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The Journey of a Cult can be marked by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or leaders propose an innovative concept that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. A lone figure, vulnerable, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has stumbled through the lines and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the beginning, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Initial Adoration

Movement founders guarantee a reboot, hope for a future, love, salvation together united in belief in the big idea.

How did it feel back then? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Body art. Muscles. Determination. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, England’s players insist they don’t use the label, which is funny as it’s denied, what did we see?

But we know its essence. It’s the player attempting a move so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, truly contemporary you almost imagine to look down and find him positioned on the ground shirtless embracing nature.

It’s Ben Duckett continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These ideas may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The backlash, the fury, the sense of betrayal post-defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. The batting collapsed on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the rage, the view of the sport as a kind of abomination. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying achievements with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. What impact will this have?

4. Hate Bonding

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

The fact remains, half a week out the next match, we have now reached a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible overseas through aggressive play. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it seems we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, several aspects worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, at the start, of passion and hope, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which was helpful since it’s clear how to confirm lack of cult status is when its acolytes respond with anger objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

What has happened in the last few days is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, images of frustrated followers overseas disappointed by the short match, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have developed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s not serious ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a garden party, a restricted environment with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history behind it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the early image-makers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their upbringing, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a mentor who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Confront risks. However much you change, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the approach, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with