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The Journey of a Cult is often defined by specific steps.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads introduce a new and transcendent idea that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from within. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a symbol, has come staggering through the lines and is taken aside in secrecy for a temporary assignment at Derbyshire.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects guarantee a fresh beginning, hope for a future, camaraderie, success within a community united in belief in the method.

How did it feel at first? Players celebrating enjoying success. Body art. Strength. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The squad insist it’s not a real term, amusingly as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so unconventional it defies description. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: focused titan, rugged appearance, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and see him playing at mid-off bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the opener often seen to talk in press conferences, appearing as a cheerful animal formally attired, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the vibe, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced by rote learning of mantras. These beliefs are often illogical to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The reaction, the fury, the disappointment post-defeat appears excessive, unwarranted. The performance was poor in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the veteran, out there celebrating successes with a bashful smile similar to getting a pleasant gift. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, half a week out from the second Test, we are at a critical juncture in the story of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas with bold tactics. More likely, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it feels like we may see the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note regarding this. Previously, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which was helpful as it’s known the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers react defensively denying scrutiny of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, images of frustrated supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to people wanting fairness.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, it’s not serious after all.

This is the core issue. Everything is a cult. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a circle, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history behind it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been isolated in this system from a young age. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their upbringing, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, but now with a modern squad and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, you’re always basically in the same place.

With this mind, now is the time to have some sympathy for the approach, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with