🔗 Share this article

The Journey of a Phenomenon is often characterized by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or leaders propose a new and transcendent idea that promises a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to confront the system down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from the out-houses. One individual, vulnerable, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest as a statement, has come staggering through the lines and is taken aside in secrecy for a temporary assignment at Derbyshire.

Remember the start, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders offer a new start, a brighter tomorrow, support, salvation within a community who all believe in the philosophy.

How did it feel at first? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, England’s players often say they don’t use the label, ironically since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear its essence. It’s the batsman playing a shot so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in his final form, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, natural look, so authentically Modern Savage you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and see him playing in the field bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, appearing as a happy little woodland creature formally attired, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the energy, initially, was only good energy.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Unity enforced by rote learning of mantras. These beliefs are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The backlash, the fury, the feeling of letdown after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, unwarranted. England batted badly on the field, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart defensively in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the criticism, the anger, the view of the sport as a failure. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, marking achievements humbly as if receiving a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to anger towards critics.

Ultimately, half a week out the next match, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the journey of this thing. Victory is possible overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it feels like we may see the death cult phase.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to note regarding this. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which was helpful since it’s clear the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is if supporters respond with anger denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

The developments lately are equally notable. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Social media is furious, critical analysts, images of frustrated followers overseas disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, a garden party, a closed world with two hundred years of ceremonial past supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the original sports washers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a system of unknown levels, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed in this system since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are simply replicating their past, creating another a bubble, a closed circle, but now with a modern squad and a coach encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with