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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon tends to be defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads present a revolutionary approach that promises a panacea for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, shivering, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has emerged through the lines and is taken aside in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you recall the early days, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, salvation among a group with shared faith in the method.

What did it represent at first? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Tattoos. Muscles. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so unconventional it defies description. It’s the thrill of the leader in ultimate mode, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, untamed style, truly contemporary you almost imagine to notice and see him playing on the ground stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman still being allowed to talk in press conferences, resembling a happy little woodland creature formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the atmosphere, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of mantras. These ideas can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss feels overblown, too much. The performance was poor in Perth, as is typical there. They were savaged in the field in a short span when tactics failed, carved around by the opponent batting like England but better, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the rage, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, seen enjoying his wickets humbly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on anger towards critics.

Ultimately, approaching the upcoming game, we have now reached an intriguing moment in the journey of this movement. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we may see the death cult phase.

Prior to that, several aspects to note about this. Previously, back in those heady early days, of passion and hope, an piece was published labeling it a movement. People were very angry, which demonstrated as it’s known how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, images of frustrated supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, the methods you value and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, a closed world with centuries of ceremonial past behind it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the British, the original sports washers. And notably, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been sealed up in this system since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are simply replicating their upbringing, forming a new circle, an exclusive group, however with a new team and a coach encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Stay present. Confront risks. However much you change, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to offer compassion for the movement, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with