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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon tends to be defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

A dominant personality or figureheads propose a new and transcendent idea that promises a solution for disconnected individuals.

And so it goes. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Signs of trouble appear from the out-houses. An isolated player, naked, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body in chicken blood, has come staggering into view and is being led away with discretion to a different team at Derbyshire.

Remember the start, when everything was fresh? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders guarantee a new start, optimism ahead, support, success together united in belief in the big idea.

What was this thing back then? Just men on a balcony feeling good. Ink. Strength. Determination. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, England’s players will claim it’s not a real term, ironically as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands what it is. It’s the batsman attempting a move so unconventional it defies description. It’s the thrill of the captain in his final form, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, natural look, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to look down and notice he’s fielding in the field bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman often seen speaking publicly, resembling a cheerful animal smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. And yes, the atmosphere, initially, was entirely positive.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of the cult’s slogans. These beliefs are often illogical to prove commitment.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the outrage, the disappointment post-defeat feels overblown, unwarranted. The batting collapsed in Perth, as history shows. They were dominated in the field for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, outplayed by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, an athlete shining with brilliance.

And now we have this the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a failure. The feeling seems to be that defeat must be total, they must be humbled, to be purged, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying his wickets modestly as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Challenges surface because of mistakes. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, approaching the next match, we are at a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. England could quite easily win overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. More likely, defeat could come swiftly. Should they fail it feels like we could be witnessing the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points to consider on the topic. More than two years ago, at the start, of optimism and energy, an piece was published labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which proved the point because everyone knows how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages denying scrutiny of its truths.

What has happened lately are equally notable. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, images of frustrated travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex more culturally hard-wired exasperation with the aggressive tourists, stating, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves from others, it’s just a joke ultimately.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. The style was a trend because cricket is a cult. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a group, a garden party, a restricted environment with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

The players have been enclosed within this world since childhood. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their past, creating another a bubble, a limited community, however with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity provided you conform.

Focus on the moment. Confront risks. But no matter how fast and far you run, you remain stuck.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to show understanding for the movement, to recognize its positives, which are significant. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with