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The Life Cycle of a Cult is often characterized by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

A dominant personality or figureheads present an innovative concept that promises a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. A lone figure, vulnerable, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body in chicken blood, has stumbled from the field and is taken aside in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the start, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders promise a new start, optimism ahead, camaraderie, success within a community united in belief in the big idea.

What did it represent at first? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The squad often say it’s not a real term, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s the batsman attempting a move so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, strong features, untamed style, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and find him positioned in the field shirtless holding a fish.

It’s the opener still being allowed to talk in press conferences, resembling a happy little woodland creature formally attired, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The backlash, the outrage, the sense of betrayal post-defeat seems too strong, unwarranted. England batted badly in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours when tactics failed, outplayed by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with brilliance.

Now there is the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a failure. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they need to lose righteously, to be scoured, flame-throwered, destroyed through sheer skill of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the bowler, out there celebrating successes modestly similar to getting a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. External Conflict

Problems arise because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

The fact remains, a few days before from the second Test, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the journey of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it feels like we may see the decline.

Ahead of this, there are two things to consider on the topic. Previously, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which was helpful because everyone knows the best way of proving lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger denying scrutiny of its truths.

What has happened recently are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, similar to people wanting fairness.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex more culturally hard-wired exasperation at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, your cherished traditions and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, it’s just a joke ultimately.

And this is the real point. 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 circle, a garden party, an insular community with two hundred years of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been isolated in this system since childhood. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their past, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Confront risks. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to offer compassion for Bazball, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with