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

1. The Big Idea

A dominant personality or leaders introduce a revolutionary approach offering a panacea for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment in Australia. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from within. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering through the lines and is taken aside under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Team architects promise a new start, a brighter tomorrow, support, success among a group who all believe in the method.

What did it represent initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Confident masculinity. Of course, England’s players often say they don’t use the label, ironically since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s the player attempting a move so outrageous it defies description. It’s the thrill of the captain in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, strong features, hair woven from beaver hide, genuinely raw you almost imagine to glance over and find him positioned at mid-off bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the opener still being allowed addressing the media, out there looking like a joyful figure in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These principles can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The criticism, the fury, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss appears excessive, unwarranted. England batted badly in Perth, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be purged, obliterated, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying achievements modestly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

In truth, half a week out the next match, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the story of this movement. Victory is possible in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, failure may follow. In case of defeat it feels like we could be witnessing the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to consider about this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which demonstrated as it’s known how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

The developments in the last few days is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, pictures of upset supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Conversely, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, it’s just a joke ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with two hundred years of ceremonial past supporting it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of England, the pioneering brand. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

The team have been sealed up in this environment from a young age. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, a limited community, but now with 15 cool guys and a coach encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the movement, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with