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

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or leaders introduce an innovative concept offering a cure for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound in Australia. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. A lone figure, exposed, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a symbol, has emerged into view and is taken aside under a blanket to a different team in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the early days, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders promise a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, salvation among a group who all believe in the philosophy.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Tattoos. Muscles. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the batsman playing a shot so depraved it has to be pixelated. It’s the thrill of the leader in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, genuinely raw you almost imagine to look down and notice he’s fielding in the field bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s Ben Duckett often seen addressing the media, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the vibe, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. A New Life

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of mantras. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The reaction, the anger, the sense of betrayal post-defeat appears excessive, unwarranted. England batted badly on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart defensively in a short span when tactics failed, outplayed by the batsman batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with aura.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the perception of the team as a failure. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the simple basics of Scott Boland, marking achievements humbly similar to getting a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. External Conflict

Challenges surface due to setbacks. However, faults are ignored. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, a few days before the upcoming game, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. They might succeed overseas with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it feels like we really might be entering the decline.

Ahead of this, several aspects to consider regarding this. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers respond with anger rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened lately is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have developed as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with centuries of tradition and mystery supporting it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up within this world for years. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their past, building another enclosure, a limited community, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a mentor who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. But no matter how fast and far you run, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the approach, to recognize its positives, which are significant. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with