🔗 Share this article

The Journey of a Cult can be defined by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or coaches propose a revolutionary approach offering a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. One individual, exposed, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body in chicken blood, has emerged through the lines and is taken aside in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the beginning, when everything was fresh? The era of early Bazball, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects offer a reboot, hope for a future, camaraderie, success together who all believe in the philosophy.

What was this thing back then? Players celebrating basking in glory. Body art. Strength. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The squad insist they don’t use the label, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, beard made of wood, untamed style, genuinely raw you half-expect to look down and notice he’s fielding on the ground shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the batsman often seen speaking publicly, appearing as a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the energy, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Unity enforced by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These principles are often illogical to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss feels overblown, unwarranted. England batted badly on the field, as is typical there. They were torn apart while bowling during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with brilliance.

Now there is the criticism, the frustration, the view of the sport as a failure. The consensus is that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, destroyed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the simple basics of the veteran, seen enjoying his wickets humbly similar to getting a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching from the second Test, we are at a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. England could quite easily win in the next Test with bold tactics. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it feels like we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which demonstrated as it’s known how to confirm lack of cult status is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

The developments recently is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, the methods you value and have honed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

This is the core issue. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a private event, an insular community with two hundred years of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the colonial game of the British, the original sports washers. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed within this world from a young age. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are simply replicating their own experience, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, however with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with