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The Journey of a Cult tends to be defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or leaders introduce a revolutionary approach offering a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from within. An isolated player, vulnerable, shivering, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a symbol, has stumbled through the lines and is taken aside under a blanket to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders guarantee a new start, optimism ahead, support, redemption within a community united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent back then? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Determination. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes at his peak, a look that says: focused titan, beard made of wood, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and see him playing in the field stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman still being allowed speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the energy, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Unity enforced through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These ideas may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the anger, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, too much. The performance was poor during the match, 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 batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the criticism, the rage, the perception of the team as a failure. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, destroyed, defeated by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the bowler, seen enjoying his wickets humbly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

The fact remains, half a week out from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the story of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it appears we could be witnessing the decline.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note on the topic. In the past, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, a column appeared labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which was helpful since it’s clear how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers respond with anger rejecting criticism of its truths.

The developments in the last few days are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, pictures of upset followers overseas missing out on play, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, claiming, the methods you value and have honed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with a long history of ceremonial past supporting it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And notably, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been enclosed in this environment since childhood. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their own experience, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but now with a new team and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Confront risks. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

Considering this, now is the time to show understanding for the movement, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with