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The Journey of a Cult tends to be defined by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose a revolutionary approach offering a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, exposed, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has stumbled through the lines and is removed in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the start, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Initial Adoration

Team architects offer a reboot, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation together united in belief in the big idea.

How did it feel at first? A team united feeling good. Body art. Forearms. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Of course, England’s players will claim they don’t use the label, ironically as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know what it is. It’s the player executing a stroke so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, hair woven from beaver hide, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and find him positioned on the ground shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the opener still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the energy, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced via memorization of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the anger, the feeling of letdown post-defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. England batted badly on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated defensively in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by the batsman batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with brilliance.

And now we have this the criticism, the anger, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, flame-throwered, defeated via traditional methods of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, seen enjoying successes humbly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

The fact remains, a few days before the upcoming game, we are at a critical juncture in the story of this approach. England could quite easily win in the next Test through aggressive play. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it appears we may see the death cult phase.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note regarding this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which was helpful because everyone knows a method to show that it’s not a closed group is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of its truths.

The developments lately are fascinating. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex more culturally hard-wired exasperation at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, the methods you value and have developed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

This is the core issue. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, a restricted environment with centuries of tradition and mystery supporting it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of England, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

The players have been sealed up within this world since childhood. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their past, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a mentor who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Confront risks. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, which are significant. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with