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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon tends to be defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose an innovative concept offering a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to storm the compound down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, shivering, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has emerged into view and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Remember the early days, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation together united in belief in the method.

What was this thing back then? A team united basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Of course, The team insist they don’t use the label, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know what it is. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so depraved it defies description. It’s the excitement of the leader in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, truly contemporary you half-expect to glance over and find him positioned in the field bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s Ben Duckett continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the vibe, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These ideas can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The criticism, the fury, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat seems too strong, overdone. The batting collapsed during the match, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the batsman playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be purged, obliterated, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, marking his wickets with a bashful smile as if receiving a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

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

In truth, a few days before from the second Test, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane through aggressive play. Alternatively, failure may follow. In case of defeat it seems we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Prior to that, a couple of points to note about this. More than two years ago, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which demonstrated as it’s known the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

The developments lately are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, pictures of upset supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, the methods you value and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves from others, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. All movements are similar. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, a closed world with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the original sports washers. And notably, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been enclosed in this environment since childhood. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their own experience, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a coach who wants you to be yourself as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

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

With this mind, it might be appropriate to have some sympathy for the movement, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with