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The Evolution of a Phenomenon can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Core Concept

A charismatic leader or figureheads introduce a new and transcendent idea offering a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Conflict emerges from the sidelines. An isolated player, vulnerable, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT displayed prominently as a symbol, has emerged into view and is removed in secrecy for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the early days, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of uninhibited aggression.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Cult leaders offer a reboot, hope for a future, camaraderie, success within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating feeling good. Ink. Forearms. Jawlines. Peak performance vibes. Of course, The team often say it’s not a real term, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

But we know the concept. It’s the player attempting a move so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, untamed style, truly contemporary you almost imagine to glance over and see him playing on the ground shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the opener still being allowed to talk in press conferences, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the atmosphere, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Building period. Cohesion maintained through repetition of mantras. These ideas can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The reaction, the fury, the feeling of letdown following the initial loss seems too strong, unwarranted. The batting collapsed on the field, as is typical there. They were dominated in the field in a short span as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with brilliance.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the rage, the perception of the team as a failure. The opinion suggests that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be purged, destroyed, defeated via traditional methods of the bowler’s action, the low-fi orthodoxies of the veteran, marking achievements modestly similar to getting a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Challenges surface due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to hatred of the outside world.

The fact remains, a few days before the upcoming game, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the lifespan of this approach. They might succeed in Brisbane in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. In case of defeat it seems we may see the death cult phase.

Before that happens, there are two things to note regarding this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of light and heat, a column appeared suggesting Bazball was a cult. Criticism followed, which proved the point as it’s known a method to show something definitely isn’t a cult is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of the beliefs.

What has happened lately are fascinating. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, images of frustrated travelling fans missing out on play, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity from the opposition, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or rather, the team has long been exclusive, a group, an elite gathering, a restricted environment with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history defining it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the pioneering brand. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been enclosed within this world from a young age. Seeking change, to build a better atmosphere, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, however with a new team and a coach encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, it might be appropriate to show understanding for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. How to define it? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with