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The Evolution of a Phenomenon can be characterized by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or coaches propose a revolutionary approach that promises a solution for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Signs of trouble appear from within. An isolated player, vulnerable, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT smeared across his chest as a statement, has stumbled from the field and is taken aside in secrecy to a different team elsewhere.

Remember the beginning, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects offer a reboot, optimism ahead, camaraderie, redemption among a group with shared faith in the philosophy.

How did it feel initially? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Body art. Forearms. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Admittedly, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s the player playing a shot so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, truly contemporary you half-expect to look down and see him playing at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, resembling a cheerful animal formally attired, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. Indeed, the atmosphere, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of mantras. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Am I alone? The reaction, the anger, the disappointment following the initial loss seems too strong, too much. The performance was poor in Perth, as history shows. They were dominated in the field during a brief period when tactics failed, outplayed by the batsman playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, a performer excelling with aura.

Now there is the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, defeated via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the conventional tactics of the bowler, out there celebrating successes humbly like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Problems arise because of mistakes. But the cult cannot admit errors. It turns to anger towards critics.

The fact remains, a few days before from the second Test, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this movement. Victory is possible in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, failure may follow. Should they fail it appears we really might be entering the death cult phase.

Prior to that, several aspects to note about this. Previously, at the start, of passion and hope, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which demonstrated as it’s known a method to show something definitely isn’t a cult is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, like a room full of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, stating, your cherished traditions and have developed as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

This is the core issue. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon as the game has its own culture. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a group, an elite gathering, an insular community with centuries of tradition and mystery supporting it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the British pastime of the British, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been isolated in this environment from a young age. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their own experience, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but now with 15 cool guys and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you remain stuck.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with