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The Journey of a Phenomenon can be marked by clear stages.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or figureheads introduce a new and transcendent idea offering a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment overseas. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from within. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a statement, has come staggering into view and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Remember the early days, when everything was fresh? The era of early Bazball, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, love, salvation together united in belief in the big idea.

How did it feel initially? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Muscles. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, The squad often say it’s not a real term, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the player attempting a move so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of the leader at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, natural look, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and notice he’s fielding in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission addressing the media, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the energy, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of key phrases. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss appears excessive, overdone. The performance was poor on the field, as is typical there. They were torn apart in the field for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, carved around by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the pile-on, the anger, the perception of the team as a failure. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be purged, obliterated, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, out there celebrating achievements with a bashful smile similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

Ultimately, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. They might succeed in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, failure may follow. And if they do lose it appears we may see the final stage.

Ahead of this, several aspects to consider regarding this. More than two years ago, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, an piece was published calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which proved the point since it’s clear how to confirm lack of cult status is when its acolytes react defensively objecting to the questioning of its truths.

What has happened in the last few days are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, pictures of upset supporters abroad missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, stating, your cherished traditions and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, it’s not serious ultimately.

This is the core issue. Everything is a cult. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed within this world for years. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are just repeating their own experience, forming a new circle, a closed circle, however with 15 cool guys and a coach who wants you to be yourself as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

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

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to offer compassion for Bazball, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with