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

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or coaches introduce a revolutionary approach that promises a cure for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has come staggering from the field and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the early days, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Movement founders promise a fresh beginning, optimism ahead, camaraderie, salvation among a group united in belief in the philosophy.

What did it represent initially? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, The team often say they don’t use the label, which is funny as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, untamed style, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and see him playing at mid-off stripped to the waist embracing nature.

It’s the batsman often seen addressing the media, appearing as a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the vibe, for a significant period, was entirely positive.

3. A New Life

Building period. Unity enforced by rote learning of key phrases. These ideas may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the outrage, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat appears excessive, overdone. The batting collapsed during the match, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively in a short span when tactics failed, manipulated by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the criticism, the frustration, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, defeated through sheer skill of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, out there celebrating achievements with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, half a week out from the second Test, we’ve entered a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this movement. England could quite easily win in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it appears we could be witnessing the final stage.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to note regarding this. More than two years ago, at the start, of passion and hope, an piece was published calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers respond with anger objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

What has happened in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad missing out on play, similar to people wanting fairness.

Conversely, exists the larger scene of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, claiming, the methods you value and have honed as one way of separating yourself from others, 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 since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a garden party, an insular community with two hundred years of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of England, the original sports washers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been isolated in this system for years. In trying to escape from it, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their past, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but now with a modern squad and a leader encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for the approach, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with