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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon can be defined by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or figureheads introduce a revolutionary approach pledging a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. They’re getting ready to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. An isolated player, exposed, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest as a symbol, has stumbled from the field and is removed under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the early days, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders promise a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, redemption among a group with shared faith in the philosophy.

What did it represent initially? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Of course, The team insist they don’t use the label, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the player playing a shot so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the leader at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and see him playing in the field stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman still being allowed speaking publicly, appearing as a cheerful animal smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the energy, initially, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Unity enforced by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These principles may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The backlash, the fury, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss feels overblown, unwarranted. The batting collapsed in Perth, as is typical there. They were torn apart in the field in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by the opponent imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, marking his wickets modestly as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to anger towards critics.

Ultimately, approaching from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this thing. England could quite easily win overseas with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it seems we may see the death cult phase.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying regarding 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 proved the point as it’s known the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters respond with anger objecting to the questioning of its truths.

What has happened recently is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged followers overseas missing out on play, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, stating, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity from others, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, an elite gathering, a closed world with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the colonial game of England, the early image-makers. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been sealed up in this system from a young age. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their past, creating another a bubble, a closed circle, however with 15 cool guys and a coach encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the approach, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with