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The Journey of a Phenomenon is often defined by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose an innovative concept that promises a cure for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to confront the system down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. One individual, vulnerable, shivering, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET displayed prominently in chicken blood, has emerged from the field and is removed under a blanket to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the beginning, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders guarantee a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, success together who all believe in the method.

What was this thing initially? A team united feeling good. Tattoos. Forearms. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players will claim it’s not a real term, amusingly as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands the concept. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: focused titan, strong features, untamed style, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and find him positioned at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett often seen speaking publicly, resembling a joyful figure formally attired, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the atmosphere, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Unity enforced by rote learning of mantras. These beliefs are often illogical to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The criticism, the outrage, the sense of betrayal after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, too much. The performance was poor on the field, as history shows. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, outplayed by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the attacks, the rage, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be cleansed, destroyed, destroyed through sheer skill of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of the bowler, out there celebrating successes with a bashful smile similar to getting a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, half a week out the next match, we’ve entered an intriguing moment in the lifespan of this movement. They might succeed in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, failure may follow. In case of defeat it appears we really might be entering the decline.

Ahead of this, there are two things to consider about this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. People were very angry, which was helpful as it’s known the best way of proving that it’s not a closed group is when its acolytes send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

The developments recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. Social media is furious, critical analysts, pictures of upset travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, your cherished traditions 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 approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a group, an elite gathering, a closed world with a long history of ceremonial past defining it. It has long been where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of England, the early image-makers. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a place that literally still has a king.

The players have been sealed up in this system since childhood. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their own experience, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with