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The Life Cycle of a Cult tends to be marked by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or coaches introduce a new and transcendent idea offering a cure for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment in Australia. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from within. An isolated player, exposed, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering into view and is removed with discretion to a different team elsewhere.

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

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, success within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

What did it represent at first? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Ink. Muscles. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, The squad will claim they don’t use the label, ironically since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the player executing a stroke so depraved it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, strong features, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and notice he’s fielding on the ground bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, appearing as a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Cohesion maintained through repetition of mantras. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The backlash, the fury, the disappointment following the initial loss feels overblown, unwarranted. The performance was poor in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, carved around by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Currently, we see the criticism, the rage, the view of the sport as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be purged, obliterated, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of the veteran, seen enjoying achievements with a bashful smile as if receiving a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

In truth, a few days before the next match, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it seems we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, there are two things to note on the topic. In the past, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which demonstrated because everyone knows the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters respond with anger objecting to the questioning of its truths.

The developments lately are equally notable. Opposition to the style is now the trend. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset followers overseas missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, the methods you value and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, it’s not serious after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. Or at least, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, an elite gathering, an insular community with a long history of ceremonial past behind it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been isolated in this environment since childhood. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their past, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a mentor promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Confront risks. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for Bazball, to recognize its positives, which are significant. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with