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

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches present an innovative concept pledging a solution for disconnected individuals.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to storm the compound overseas. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from within. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has stumbled through the lines and is removed under a blanket for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Do you recall the early days, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders offer a new start, a brighter tomorrow, love, salvation among a group with shared faith in the big idea.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating basking in glory. Tattoos. Strength. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The team insist they don’t use the label, amusingly since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

But we know the concept. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and notice he’s fielding at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a happy little woodland creature formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the energy, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Unity enforced via memorization of mantras. These beliefs are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The backlash, the outrage, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, too much. The batting collapsed on the field, as is typical there. They were savaged defensively during a brief period when tactics failed, carved around by the opponent batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the attacks, the rage, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying achievements humbly similar to getting a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

The fact remains, approaching from the second Test, we are at a delicious point of tension in the journey of this thing. England could quite easily win in Brisbane with bold tactics. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it feels like we really might be entering the decline.

Ahead of this, several aspects to consider regarding this. Previously, at the start, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

The developments lately are equally notable. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, images of frustrated followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s not serious in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, a garden party, a restricted environment with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of the nation, the early image-makers. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been isolated within this world for years. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their upbringing, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. However much you change, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with