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The Life Cycle of a Movement tends to be marked by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose a revolutionary approach pledging a panacea for struggling players.

Thus we find ourselves. Preparations are underway to challenge the establishment overseas. The gunships are circling. Conflict emerges from the out-houses. A lone figure, vulnerable, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT displayed prominently as a symbol, has stumbled into view and is taken aside under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Remember the start, when optimism reigned? The era of early Bazball, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects promise a reboot, optimism ahead, love, salvation within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

What did it represent initially? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players insist Bazball doesn’t actually exist, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

But we know what it is. It’s the player attempting a move so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the leader in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, rugged appearance, natural look, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and notice he’s fielding in the field shirtless and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed speaking publicly, appearing as a joyful figure formally attired, expressing thoughts like we are actively deconstructing the orange. Certainly, the vibe, initially, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Togetherness strengthened by rote learning of mantras. These ideas can appear contradictory to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The criticism, the outrage, the sense of betrayal following the initial loss seems too strong, unwarranted. England batted badly in Perth, as is typical there. They were dominated while bowling for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a man playing with aura.

And now we have this the pile-on, the frustration, the perception of the team as a failure. The opinion suggests that defeat must be total, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, obliterated, overwhelmed via traditional methods of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of the bowler, seen enjoying his wickets modestly similar to getting a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. External Conflict

Challenges surface from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

In truth, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at a critical juncture in the journey of this thing. They might succeed in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. In case of defeat it seems we may see the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points to note about this. In the past, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, an piece was published suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which was helpful because everyone knows the best way of proving lack of cult status is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of the philosophy.

The developments recently are equally notable. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, like a room full of investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced ingrained annoyance towards the unconventional visitors, claiming, hey, that thing you love and have developed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, it’s just a joke in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. Bazball was a cult since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a group, a garden party, a closed world with two hundred years of ceremonial past defining it. Historically, this was where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of the British, the pioneering brand. And guess what, the country is a phenomenon, a structure of hidden ranks, a monarchy still exists.

England’s cricketers have been sealed up in this environment for years. Seeking change, to create a less brutal environment, they are just repeating their own experience, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but now with a new team and a coach encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. However much you change, things stay similar.

Reflecting on this, it is perhaps the moment to offer compassion for the approach, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with