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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon can be marked by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or coaches propose a new and transcendent idea offering a panacea for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Plans are in motion to confront the system overseas. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. One individual, vulnerable, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a symbol, has emerged into view and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Remember the start, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders offer a new start, a brighter tomorrow, support, redemption together with shared faith in the big idea.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Tattoos. Muscles. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, The squad often say Bazball doesn’t actually exist, ironically as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the player executing a stroke so depraved it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of the leader in his final form, a look that says: focused titan, rugged appearance, natural look, genuinely raw you almost imagine to look down and see him playing in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman often seen addressing the media, resembling a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These principles may seem irrational to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the fury, the sense of betrayal post-defeat seems too strong, overdone. The batting collapsed during the match, as is typical there. They were torn apart while bowling during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by the batsman imitating their style effectively, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with aura.

And now we have this the pile-on, the frustration, the view of the sport as a kind of abomination. The opinion suggests that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the veteran, seen enjoying his wickets with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface due to setbacks. However, faults are ignored. It turns to anger towards critics.

In truth, half a week out the upcoming game, we’ve entered a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas with bold tactics. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it appears we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying about this. In the past, at the start, of passion and hope, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which demonstrated because everyone knows a method to show lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

What has happened lately is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, images of frustrated followers overseas disappointed by the short match, like a room full of investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, we have the wider backdrop of the opponent’s mixed more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, stating, hey, that thing you love and have developed as part of your identity from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. In fact, the team has long been exclusive, a circle, a garden party, a closed world with a long history of ceremonial past behind it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been isolated in this system for years. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their own experience, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, but now with 15 cool guys and a coach who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Embrace challenges. However much you change, 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. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with