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The Life Cycle of a Cult is often marked by distinct phases.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or figureheads propose a revolutionary approach pledging a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment overseas. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the sidelines. One individual, vulnerable, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering from the field and is taken aside in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you ever miss the early days, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation among a group who all believe in the method.

How did it feel at first? Players celebrating enjoying success. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The squad will claim Bazball doesn’t actually exist, amusingly since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so depraved it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, strong features, natural look, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and find him positioned on the ground stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature in a waistcoat, expressing thoughts like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the energy, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Unity enforced through repetition of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The backlash, the outrage, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss appears excessive, overdone. England batted badly during the match, as is typical there. They were savaged while bowling in a short span when tactics failed, carved around by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, destroyed, destroyed via traditional methods of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of Scott Boland, seen enjoying his wickets modestly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at an intriguing moment in the story of this movement. Victory is possible overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. Should they fail it seems we really might be entering the final stage.

Before that happens, several aspects to consider regarding this. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which was helpful as it’s known the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is if supporters react defensively rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

The developments lately is just as interesting. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans missing out on play, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, stating, the methods you value and have honed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, it’s not serious ultimately.

And this is the real point. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, a private event, a closed world with centuries of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been sealed up in this system since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their upbringing, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a mentor encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, things stay similar.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to show understanding for the approach, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with