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The Life Cycle of a Cult can be characterized by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose a new and transcendent idea that promises a cure for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from the sidelines. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body in chicken blood, has emerged through the lines and is being led away under a blanket to a different team in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the early days, when everything was fresh? The era of early Bazball, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders offer a new start, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, success among a group united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent at first? A team united basking in glory. Tattoos. Muscles. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, England’s players will claim Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically 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 unconventional it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in his final form, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, natural look, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and notice he’s fielding in the field stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a cheerful animal smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, too much. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were savaged in the field for a couple of hours when tactics failed, manipulated by the batsman batting like England but better, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the frustration, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The consensus is that defeat must be total, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, obliterated, destroyed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of the veteran, marking successes modestly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise because of mistakes. But the cult cannot admit errors. It starts to feed on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it feels like we may see the decline.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to note about this. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, an piece was published labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which demonstrated as it’s known the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

The developments in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, stating, hey, that thing you love and have honed as part of your identity culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of England, the early image-makers. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been sealed up in this environment for years. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their past, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but doing it this time with a new team and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

Considering this, now is the time to have some sympathy for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with