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The Journey of a Movement tends to be defined by specific steps.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or coaches present an innovative concept that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to confront the system in Australia. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from the sidelines. One individual, exposed, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering into view and is taken aside in secrecy to a different team in county cricket.

Do you recall the start, when the world was still young? The era of early Bazball, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders promise a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, redemption within a community united in belief in the method.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Body art. Strength. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically as it’s denied, what did we see?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so depraved it defies description. It’s the excitement of the captain in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: focused titan, rugged appearance, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and see him playing at mid-off shirtless embracing nature.

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

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of the cult’s slogans. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The backlash, the anger, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss feels overblown, too much. The batting collapsed in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated in the field in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, defeated through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying his wickets humbly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

In truth, half a week out from the second Test, we are at a delicious point of tension in the journey of this approach. England could quite easily win in the next Test through aggressive play. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it seems we could be witnessing the decline.

Prior to that, several aspects to consider about this. Previously, at the start, of passion and hope, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which demonstrated because everyone knows a method to show something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, pictures of upset followers overseas missing out on play, similar to people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, stating, the methods you value and have developed as one way of separating yourself from others, it’s not serious ultimately.

Here lies the truth. It’s all cults. The style was a trend since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a group, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been sealed up in this environment since childhood. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their past, building another enclosure, a limited community, however with a new team and a leader who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with