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The Journey of a Phenomenon tends to be characterized by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A dominant personality or coaches present a revolutionary approach offering a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from within. An isolated player, exposed, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest as a symbol, has stumbled from the field and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

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

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders promise a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation together united in belief in the philosophy.

How did it feel at first? A team united basking in glory. Tattoos. Strength. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, The squad insist it’s not a real term, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s the player attempting a move so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, natural look, genuinely raw you half-expect to look down and see him playing at mid-off shirtless embracing nature.

It’s the batsman still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the vibe, initially, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown post-defeat seems too strong, too much. The batting collapsed in Perth, as is typical there. They were savaged defensively for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the batsman batting like England but better, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a failure. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be purged, destroyed, destroyed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, marking 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 due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, a few days before the upcoming game, we are at a delicious point of tension in the journey of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas with bold tactics. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it feels like we could be witnessing the final stage.

Ahead of this, there are two things worth saying about this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which proved the point since it’s clear the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of its truths.

What has happened recently are fascinating. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, pictures of upset supporters abroad missing out on play, similar to people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have developed as part of your identity from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

Here lies the truth. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a group, a private event, a closed world with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the original sports washers. And notably, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

The team have been isolated in this environment for years. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their past, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a mentor promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the movement, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with