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The Journey of a Phenomenon is often defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads propose an innovative concept that promises a solution for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment overseas. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from within. One individual, exposed, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering into view and is removed in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Remember the early days, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders offer a new start, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, success among a group with shared faith in the method.

How did it feel back then? A team united basking in glory. Tattoos. Forearms. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The squad will claim it’s not a real term, ironically since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the captain at his peak, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, hair woven from beaver hide, genuinely raw you half-expect to look down and find him positioned on the ground stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman still being allowed speaking publicly, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. And yes, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown post-defeat appears excessive, overdone. England batted badly in Perth, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with aura.

Now there is the pile-on, the anger, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, defeated through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of the bowler, out there celebrating his wickets modestly as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

In truth, half a week out the next match, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the lifespan of this approach. England could quite easily win in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, failure may follow. And if they do lose it seems we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to consider regarding this. More than two years ago, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which was helpful as it’s known how to confirm lack of cult status is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has now become the cult. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, images of frustrated followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s not serious after all.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a group, a private event, a closed world with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

The team have been isolated in this environment from a young age. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their own experience, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, however with 15 cool guys and a leader encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Confront risks. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with