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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon is often defined by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or leaders present an innovative concept offering a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. A lone figure, naked, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently as a statement, has emerged through the lines and is removed with discretion to a different team in county cricket.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a new start, optimism ahead, love, redemption among a group united in belief in the big idea.

What was this thing initially? A team united feeling good. Ink. Strength. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, ironically since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s the player executing a stroke so depraved it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain at his peak, an expression conveying: focused titan, strong features, untamed style, genuinely raw you almost imagine to look down and notice he’s fielding at mid-off bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission addressing the media, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the vibe, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. A New Life

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These ideas are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The criticism, the anger, the sense of betrayal post-defeat appears excessive, too much. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with aura.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be scoured, obliterated, defeated by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the simple basics of Scott Boland, seen enjoying successes modestly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise because of mistakes. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, approaching from the second Test, we are at a delicious point of tension in the story of this approach. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it appears we may see the death cult phase.

Prior to that, several aspects worth saying about this. More than two years ago, at the start, of optimism and energy, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which was helpful as it’s known a method to show lack of cult status is should followers respond with anger denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have developed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a clique, a private event, an insular community with two hundred years of tradition and mystery supporting it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And notably, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a place that literally still has a king.

The team have been sealed up in this environment since childhood. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are just repeating their own experience, creating another a bubble, an exclusive group, but now with a new team and a coach promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with