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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon can be marked by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads present a revolutionary approach offering a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. One individual, naked, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering into view and is removed in secrecy to a different team elsewhere.

Remember the beginning, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, support, success within a community who all believe in the big idea.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Tattoos. Forearms. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in his final form, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and find him positioned at mid-off bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, appearing as a cheerful animal smartly dressed, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained through repetition of key phrases. These ideas may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss appears excessive, overdone. The performance was poor in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated defensively for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by the batsman batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, 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, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the veteran, marking successes humbly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise because of mistakes. However, faults are ignored. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, a few days before from the second Test, we have now reached an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this approach. Victory is possible in Brisbane with bold tactics. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we may see the death cult phase.

Before that happens, several aspects to consider on the topic. Previously, at the start, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. People were very angry, which proved the point as it’s known the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

The developments lately are fascinating. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a clique, an elite gathering, an insular community with two hundred years of tradition and mystery behind it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been isolated within this world from a young age. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their past, building another enclosure, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a mentor who wants you to be yourself as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you remain stuck.

Considering 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. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with