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The Life Cycle of a Cult tends to be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

A dominant personality or figureheads propose an innovative concept that promises a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment overseas. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. One individual, naked, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest as a statement, has stumbled from the field and is being led away with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Remember the start, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation together who all believe in the big idea.

What was this thing at first? A team united feeling good. Ink. Forearms. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s the player attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and notice he’s fielding at mid-off bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission addressing the media, resembling a happy little woodland creature formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the atmosphere, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Cohesion maintained through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These ideas are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the fury, the feeling of letdown post-defeat feels overblown, unwarranted. The performance was poor during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged in the field in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by the batsman batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the attacks, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, defeated via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the bowler, seen enjoying successes modestly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

The fact remains, half a week out the next match, we’ve entered an intriguing moment in the journey of this movement. Victory is possible overseas through aggressive play. Alternatively, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, there are two things to consider about this. More than two years ago, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which was helpful because everyone knows a method to show lack of cult status is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

Recent events recently are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has now become the cult. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, there is the broader context of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions and have honed to distinguish yourselves from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a garden party, a restricted environment with centuries of tradition and mystery defining it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been sealed up within this world since childhood. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, a limited community, but doing it this time with a new team and a leader who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Confront risks. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to have some sympathy for the approach, to acknowledge its merits, which are significant. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with