🔗 Share this article

The Evolution of a Cult can be characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads present an innovative concept pledging a panacea for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to storm the compound overseas. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. An isolated player, vulnerable, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a statement, has emerged into view and is taken aside with discretion for a temporary assignment at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the start, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects offer a reboot, hope for a future, camaraderie, success within a community united in belief in the method.

What was this thing at first? A team united enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players insist they don’t use the label, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman attempting a move so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the captain in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to notice and see him playing in the field bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s Ben Duckett often seen to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the vibe, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Unity enforced through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These principles are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The reaction, the outrage, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss feels overblown, overdone. The performance was poor during the match, as is typical there. They were dominated defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the opponent batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the pile-on, the anger, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, destroyed, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, seen enjoying his wickets with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, approaching from the second Test, we’ve entered an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this movement. England could quite easily win in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, failure may follow. In case of defeat it seems we may see the final stage.

Ahead of this, a couple of points worth saying on the topic. In the past, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which proved the point as it’s known a method to show lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger denying scrutiny of its truths.

The developments recently is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, stating, hey, that thing you love and have developed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a group, a private event, an insular community with two hundred years of tradition and mystery supporting it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been sealed up in this system since childhood. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, a limited community, however with a new team and a leader promoting authenticity as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for the approach, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with