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

1. The Grand Vision

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

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from within. A lone figure, naked, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has come staggering from the field and is being led away in secrecy for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

Do you recall the beginning, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, success together with shared faith in the big idea.

What was this thing back then? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Forearms. Determination. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, England’s players insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know what it is. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the excitement of the leader at his peak, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and notice he’s fielding on the ground shirtless embracing nature.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed to talk in press conferences, appearing as a joyful figure smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. And yes, the energy, for quite a long time, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These ideas may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The reaction, the outrage, the disappointment following the initial loss seems too strong, overdone. The batting collapsed in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by the batsman batting like England but better, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with aura.

And now we have this the attacks, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be purged, destroyed, destroyed via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, seen enjoying successes modestly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. However, faults are ignored. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, approaching the upcoming game, we are at a critical juncture in the story of this thing. Victory is possible in Brisbane through aggressive play. Probably, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it seems we really might be entering the decline.

Before that happens, a couple of points to note on the topic. Previously, at the start, of light and heat, an piece was published labeling it a movement. Criticism followed, which was helpful because everyone knows a method to show that it’s not a closed group is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

The developments in the last few days is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, pictures of upset followers overseas missing out on play, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of the host’s complex more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. This has always been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The team have been enclosed in this environment for years. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their past, forming a new circle, a closed circle, however with a modern squad and a coach promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to have some sympathy for the approach, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with