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The Journey of a Phenomenon can be characterized by clear stages.

1. The Big Idea

A charismatic leader or figureheads present a new and transcendent idea that promises a solution for disconnected individuals.

Thus we find ourselves. They’re getting ready to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. An isolated player, vulnerable, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body in chicken blood, has emerged into view and is being led away under a blanket for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

Remember the beginning, when the world was still young? The days of Bazball 1.0, of uninhibited aggression.

2. Love-Bombing

Cult leaders guarantee a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, salvation among a group who all believe in the philosophy.

How did it feel initially? Players celebrating feeling good. Body art. Muscles. Jawlines. Confident masculinity. Oh sure, England’s players insist they don’t use the label, which is funny as it’s denied, what was that spectacle?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the player attempting a move so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the thrill of Ben Stokes in ultimate mode, a look that says: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, hair woven from beaver hide, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to look down and see him playing at mid-off shirtless holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett often seen to talk in press conferences, resembling a cheerful animal formally attired, uttering phrases such as we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the vibe, initially, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained through repetition of mantras. These ideas may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Am I alone? The reaction, the outrage, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, unwarranted. England batted badly in Perth, as history shows. They were torn apart defensively during a brief period as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, manipulated by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with aura.

Currently, we see the pile-on, the anger, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that losing isn’t enough, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, destroyed, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the bowler’s action, the simple basics of Scott Boland, out there celebrating achievements modestly like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. However, faults are ignored. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

In truth, a few days before from the second Test, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the journey of this thing. Victory is possible in Brisbane with bold tactics. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it feels like we really might be entering the decline.

Ahead of this, a couple of points to consider about this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. Criticism followed, which demonstrated because everyone knows how to confirm lack of cult status is should followers react defensively rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

The developments recently is just as interesting. Opposition to the style is now the trend. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged supporters abroad disappointed by the short match, like a room full of timeshare owners seeking justice.

Meanwhile, exists the larger scene of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, the methods you value and have fostered and nurtured as part of your identity from others, well, it’s all a bit of a gag in the end old boy.

This is the core issue. It’s all cults. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or at least, the team has long been exclusive, a clique, a garden party, a closed world with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the imperial sport of the British, the original sports washers. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The team have been isolated in this environment since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to foster positivity, they are just repeating their own experience, forming a new circle, a limited community, but doing it this time with a new team and a leader who wants you to be yourself provided you conform.

Live where your feet are. Run towards the danger. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

With this mind, now is the time to have some sympathy for the approach, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. What is Bazball? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with