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The Evolution of a Phenomenon tends to be defined by specific steps.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or coaches propose an innovative concept that promises a solution for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. They’re getting ready to storm the compound in Australia. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. An isolated player, exposed, anxious, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest as a symbol, has stumbled from the field and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the start, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects promise a fresh beginning, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, redemption within a community united in belief in the big idea.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Determination. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, The squad insist they don’t use the label, amusingly as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

But we know its essence. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so unconventional it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain at his peak, a look that says: thoughtful warrior, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and see him playing at mid-off shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener still being allowed to talk in press conferences, resembling a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Growth phase. Togetherness strengthened through repetition of mantras. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The backlash, the fury, the disappointment following the initial loss appears excessive, overdone. The batting collapsed on the field, as history shows. They were dominated defensively in a short span as plans unraveled, outplayed by Travis Head batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the attacks, the rage, the sense of English Test cricket as a failure. The consensus is that defeat must be total, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, obliterated, defeated via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, out there celebrating successes with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on hostility externally.

The fact remains, a few days before the next match, we have now reached a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. England could quite easily win overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it feels like we may see the final stage.

Prior to that, there are two things worth saying on the topic. Previously, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which demonstrated as it’s known a method to show lack of cult status is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

The developments in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset supporters abroad cheated out of three days of cricket, like a room full of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, stating, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a garden party, an insular community with centuries of tradition and mystery defining it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the original sports washers. And notably, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been sealed up within this world since childhood. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their own experience, building another enclosure, a closed circle, however with 15 cool guys and a coach who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you’re always basically in the same place.

Reflecting on this, it might be appropriate to offer compassion for the movement, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What does it represent? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with