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The Evolution of a Phenomenon can be marked by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or leaders propose a revolutionary approach that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. An isolated player, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body as a symbol, has come staggering into view and is taken aside under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Remember the start, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a reboot, hope for a future, support, success within a community with shared faith in the philosophy.

What was this thing at first? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Ink. Strength. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, which is funny as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the thrill of the leader in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, beard made of wood, natural look, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and notice he’s fielding at mid-off shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the batsman still being allowed to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the energy, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Development stage. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These ideas can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the outrage, the sense of betrayal post-defeat appears excessive, too much. The performance was poor in Perth, as is typical there. They were torn apart defensively for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, carved around by the batsman imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with aura.

Currently, we see the attacks, the rage, the view of the sport as a failure. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, obliterated, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying achievements humbly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

In truth, a few days before from the second Test, we are at a critical juncture in the story of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane through aggressive play. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it appears we may see the death cult phase.

Before that happens, several aspects to note about this. In the past, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which was helpful because everyone knows the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

The developments in the last few days are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have developed to distinguish yourselves from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, a closed world with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the original sports washers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been sealed up in this environment since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their past, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but now with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Stay present. Confront risks. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the movement, to recognize its positives, which are significant. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with