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The Life Cycle of a Cult can be defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or leaders introduce a new and transcendent idea pledging a cure for struggling players.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to confront the system down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from within. One individual, naked, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has emerged into view and is removed with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Remember the start, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders promise a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, success together united in belief in the philosophy.

What did it represent initially? A team united enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, natural look, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and notice he’s fielding on the ground shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Unity enforced by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These ideas can appear contradictory as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the disappointment post-defeat seems too strong, overdone. England batted badly on the field, as is typical there. They were torn apart in the field in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent batting like England but better, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with aura.

And now we have this the pile-on, the anger, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be purged, flame-throwered, destroyed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, seen enjoying achievements with a bashful smile similar to getting a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, a few days before the next match, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the journey of this thing. They might succeed overseas with bold tactics. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it appears we may see the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points to note about this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which proved the point because everyone knows how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad missing out on play, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, the methods you value and have honed as part of your identity from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

This is the core issue. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a private event, a restricted environment with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. This has always been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the colonial game of England, the pioneering brand. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been sealed up in this system since childhood. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a mentor encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, now is the time to have some sympathy for Bazball, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with