🔗 Share this article

The Life Cycle of a Cult is often characterized by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or leaders introduce an innovative concept that promises a panacea for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to confront the system overseas. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from within. A lone figure, exposed, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest as a symbol, has emerged through the lines and is taken aside under a blanket to a different team elsewhere.

Do you recall the beginning, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders promise a new start, optimism ahead, support, redemption among a group united in belief in the method.

What was this thing at first? A team united basking in glory. Body art. Strength. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The team often say it’s not a real term, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes at his peak, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, strong features, natural look, genuinely raw you almost imagine to look down and find him positioned in the field shirtless embracing nature.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, resembling a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the atmosphere, initially, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These ideas may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the fury, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat seems too strong, overdone. England batted badly on the field, as is typical there. They were savaged defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the opponent batting like England but better, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, overwhelmed via traditional methods of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of the veteran, marking achievements with a bashful smile as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

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

In truth, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. England could quite easily win in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it appears we may see the decline.

Before that happens, a couple of points to consider regarding this. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, an piece was published labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which demonstrated as it’s known a method to show that it’s not a closed group is if supporters react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened lately is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, images of frustrated travelling fans missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, stating, the methods you value and have developed as part of your identity from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a clique, a private event, a restricted environment with a long history of tradition and mystery defining it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the pioneering brand. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed in this environment since childhood. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their past, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but now with 15 cool guys and a mentor promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

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

Reflecting on this, now is the time to show understanding for the approach, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with