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The Journey of a Cult can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or figureheads present an innovative concept that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to confront the system in Australia. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from within. An isolated player, exposed, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a statement, has stumbled into view and is taken aside in secrecy to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you ever miss the beginning, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders promise a reboot, optimism ahead, camaraderie, redemption among a group united in belief in the big idea.

What was this thing at first? A team united enjoying success. Ink. Muscles. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, The team insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so depraved it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and find him positioned in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the energy, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. A New Life

Building period. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of mantras. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Am I alone? The reaction, the fury, the feeling of letdown after the first Ashes Test defeat appears excessive, overdone. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively during a brief period when tactics failed, outplayed by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, destroyed, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, marking achievements with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

Ultimately, half a week out from the second Test, we have now reached an intriguing moment in the story of this thing. England could quite easily win in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. Should they fail it feels like we could be witnessing the decline.

Ahead of this, there are two things worth saying about this. Previously, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, a column appeared labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which proved the point since it’s clear the best way of proving lack of cult status is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, critical analysts, pictures of upset travelling fans missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, stating, your cherished traditions and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or at least, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, an elite gathering, an insular community with two hundred years of tradition and mystery defining it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been sealed up within this world since childhood. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their upbringing, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the movement, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with