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The Evolution of a Movement is often characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

A dominant personality or leaders present an innovative concept pledging a solution for struggling players.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment in Australia. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, exposed, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body as a symbol, has emerged from the field and is being led away under a blanket to a different team at Derbyshire.

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

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders guarantee a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, salvation among a group who all believe in the big idea.

How did it feel initially? Players celebrating basking in glory. Ink. Forearms. Focus. Confident masculinity. Of course, The squad insist it’s not a real term, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, natural look, truly contemporary you half-expect to look down and see him playing in the field bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the opener often seen speaking publicly, appearing as a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained via memorization of mantras. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The backlash, the outrage, the disappointment following the initial loss seems too strong, too much. England batted badly in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart in the field for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by Travis Head batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, the rage, the view of the sport as a failure. The consensus is that defeat must be total, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, obliterated, defeated via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, out there celebrating his wickets with a bashful smile as if receiving a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

In truth, half a week out the next match, we have now reached an intriguing moment in the story of this thing. They might succeed in Brisbane with bold tactics. Probably, failure may follow. In case of defeat it appears we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, several aspects to consider about this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, an piece was published labeling it a movement. People were very angry, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

Recent events recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, the methods you value and have fostered and nurtured as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, it’s just a joke after all.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a group, a garden party, a closed world with two hundred years of tradition and mystery supporting it. This has always been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the original sports washers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed in this environment from a young age. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, building another enclosure, a closed circle, however with a new team and a coach who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you remain stuck.

Considering this, now is the time to have some sympathy for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, which are significant. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with