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The Journey of a Phenomenon tends to be characterized by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or coaches propose a revolutionary approach that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to confront the system overseas. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from within. A lone figure, exposed, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest in chicken blood, has come staggering into view and is removed with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the beginning, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects promise a fresh beginning, hope for a future, camaraderie, salvation together who all believe in the philosophy.

What was this thing initially? Players celebrating feeling good. Body art. Strength. Determination. Elite male wellness energy. Oh sure, England’s players will claim they don’t use the label, ironically as it’s denied, what did we see?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s the batsman attempting a move so unconventional it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in ultimate mode, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and see him playing in the field bare-chested holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a joyful figure formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the atmosphere, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Cohesion maintained via memorization of mantras. These principles can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The reaction, the anger, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, overdone. England batted badly in Perth, as history shows. They were dominated defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

And now we have this the criticism, the anger, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, flame-throwered, overwhelmed via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the simple basics of the bowler, out there celebrating successes modestly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge because of mistakes. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

In truth, half a week out from the second Test, we are at an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this approach. They might succeed in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it feels like we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Before that happens, several aspects to note about this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which was helpful since it’s clear how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of its truths.

The developments lately is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, the methods you value and have honed as part of your identity from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a garden party, a restricted environment with a long history of tradition and mystery defining it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up in this environment since childhood. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their own experience, building another enclosure, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, which are significant. How to define it? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with