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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon is often defined by specific steps.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads present an innovative concept pledging a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

And so it goes. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment in Australia. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from the sidelines. One individual, vulnerable, nervous, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a statement, has stumbled from the field and is removed with discretion to a different team at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the early days, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders offer a new start, optimism ahead, support, success within a community who all believe in the big idea.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating feeling good. Ink. Muscles. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, England’s players insist it’s not a real term, ironically because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear the concept. It’s the batsman playing a shot so outrageous it defies description. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: focused titan, beard made of wood, natural look, truly contemporary you almost imagine to notice and find him positioned in the field shirtless holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed addressing the media, resembling a cheerful animal smartly dressed, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the atmosphere, initially, was only good energy.

3. A New Life

Building period. Unity enforced through repetition of key phrases. These ideas can appear contradictory as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The criticism, the fury, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss seems too strong, too much. England batted badly during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart defensively in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with aura.

Now there is the attacks, the rage, the view of the sport as a failure. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they need to lose righteously, to be cleansed, flame-throwered, destroyed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of Scott Boland, seen enjoying successes with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It starts to feed on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, approaching from the second Test, we’ve entered a critical juncture in the lifespan of this movement. They might succeed overseas with bold tactics. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. In case of defeat it seems we could be witnessing the decline.

Before that happens, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. Previously, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, an piece was published labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which was helpful as it’s known the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball is now the trend. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset travelling fans missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of the host’s complex deep-seated frustration with the aggressive tourists, claiming, your cherished traditions and have honed as one way of separating yourself from others, it’s not serious in the end old boy.

And this is the real point. All movements are similar. Bazball was a cult as the game has its own culture. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a circle, an elite gathering, a closed world with a long history of tradition and mystery behind it. Historically, this was a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the original sports washers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

England’s cricketers have been enclosed within this world for years. Seeking change, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, however with a modern squad and a leader who wants you to be yourself if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. Despite efforts, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to acknowledge its merits, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with