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The Journey of a Cult is often characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or coaches present a revolutionary approach that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. They’re getting ready to storm the compound in Australia. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from within. An isolated player, vulnerable, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a statement, has come staggering into view and is removed in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the early days, when the world was still young? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects guarantee a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation among a group who all believe in the big idea.

How did it feel back then? A team united basking in glory. Ink. Forearms. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, The squad often say they don’t use the label, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

But we know what it is. It’s the player attempting a move so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a look that says: focused titan, rugged appearance, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to glance over and see him playing at mid-off bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, resembling a joyful figure in a waistcoat, expressing thoughts like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the atmosphere, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Am I alone? The reaction, the anger, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, unwarranted. The performance was poor in Perth, as is typical there. They were savaged defensively in a short span when tactics failed, outplayed by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the frustration, the view of the sport as a failure. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, destroyed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the simple basics of the bowler, marking successes modestly as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

The fact remains, a few days before from the second Test, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the journey of this approach. Victory is possible in Brisbane with bold tactics. More likely, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we could be witnessing the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note regarding this. In the past, at the start, of optimism and energy, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

The developments recently is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated travelling fans missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of the host’s complex more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have developed as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, a private event, a closed world with a long history of ceremonial past supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up within this world for years. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their past, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a leader who wants you to be yourself as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Live where your feet are. Confront risks. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

With this mind, now is the time to have some sympathy for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with