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The Journey of a Cult tends to be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or leaders introduce a revolutionary approach that promises a cure for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment overseas. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the out-houses. One individual, exposed, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a symbol, has emerged through the lines and is being led away under a blanket for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders guarantee a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, success among a group united in belief in the method.

What did it represent initially? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The team insist it’s not a real term, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the player executing a stroke so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to notice and see him playing on the ground bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the batsman still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The reaction, the anger, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. England batted badly in Perth, as they often do in Australia. They were savaged defensively for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the frustration, the view of the sport as a kind of abomination. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be purged, obliterated, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the simple basics of the veteran, marking his wickets humbly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

Ultimately, approaching from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the journey of this approach. They might succeed overseas with bold tactics. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it appears we may see the decline.

Before that happens, there are two things to note about this. In the past, at the start, of light and heat, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. People were very angry, which demonstrated since it’s clear the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

The developments in the last few days are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, exists the larger scene of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, stating, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s just a joke after all.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of tradition and mystery defining it. This has always been where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the early image-makers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up in this environment from a young age. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, forming a new circle, a limited community, but now with a modern squad and a mentor encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. However much you change, things stay similar.

With this mind, now is the time to show understanding for the approach, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with