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The Journey of a Cult can be marked by specific steps.

1. The Core Concept

An inspiring figure or figureheads introduce a revolutionary approach offering a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound overseas. Tensions are rising. Conflict emerges from within. One individual, vulnerable, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a statement, has emerged into view and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment elsewhere.

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

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects guarantee a reboot, hope for a future, love, redemption among a group united in belief in the philosophy.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating enjoying success. Body art. Forearms. Focus. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The team will claim they don’t use the label, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what exactly did I just watch?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the player executing a stroke so outrageous it has to be pixelated. It’s the adrenaline of the leader at his peak, an expression conveying: focused titan, strong features, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you almost imagine to look down and notice he’s fielding at mid-off bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman often seen addressing the media, resembling a happy little woodland creature formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the energy, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. A New Life

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of key phrases. These principles are often illogical to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The reaction, the anger, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, too much. The batting collapsed during the match, as is typical there. They were savaged while bowling in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adaptive to conditions, an athlete shining with brilliance.

Now there is the attacks, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The consensus is that losing isn’t enough, they must be humbled, to be purged, flame-throwered, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the veteran, seen enjoying successes humbly as if receiving a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

Problems arise due to setbacks. But the cult cannot admit errors. It begins to thrive on anger towards critics.

Ultimately, a few days before the upcoming game, we are at an intriguing moment in the story of this movement. England could quite easily win overseas through aggressive play. Probably, failure may follow. In case of defeat it feels like we may see the final stage.

Prior to that, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. In the past, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which was helpful since it’s clear how to confirm something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of its truths.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Online outrage is widespread, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, like a room full of timeshare owners seeking justice.

On the other hand, exists the larger scene of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, stating, the methods you value and have honed as one way of separating yourself 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 rather, the sport in England is closed, a clique, a private event, a restricted environment 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 England, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed in this system since childhood. Attempting to break free, to build a better atmosphere, they are simply replicating their upbringing, creating another a bubble, a limited community, but doing it this time with 15 cool guys and a leader encouraging individuality as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, things stay similar.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to have some sympathy for the movement, to recognize its positives, of which there are many. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with