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

1. The Big Idea

A dominant personality or leaders introduce a new and transcendent idea pledging a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system overseas. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, naked, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering through the lines and is being led away in secrecy to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you ever miss the early days, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders promise a reboot, hope for a future, support, success within a community with shared faith in the philosophy.

What did it represent at first? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Tattoos. Strength. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, The squad will claim they don’t use the label, which is funny as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, strong features, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to notice and find him positioned on the ground bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the batsman still being allowed to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the energy, initially, was uplifting.

3. A New Life

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of key phrases. These beliefs can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, too much. England batted badly on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were dominated while bowling in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the criticism, the rage, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, destroyed, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, seen enjoying successes humbly as if receiving a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge due to setbacks. However, faults are ignored. It turns to anger towards critics.

In truth, half a week out the next match, we are at an intriguing moment in the journey of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas with bold tactics. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it feels like we really might be entering the decline.

Before that happens, there are two things to consider regarding this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, an piece was published labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which was helpful because everyone knows the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of its truths.

The developments in the last few days are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a group, a garden party, a closed world with a long history of tradition and mystery supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been isolated in this system since childhood. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are just repeating their upbringing, building another enclosure, a closed circle, however with a modern squad and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with