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The Life Cycle of a Phenomenon can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches propose a new and transcendent idea that promises a cure for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. Plans are in motion to storm the compound overseas. Tensions are rising. Smoke is rising from the sidelines. An isolated player, vulnerable, anxious, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body as a symbol, has emerged into view and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint elsewhere.

Do you recall the start, when the world was still young? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders offer a reboot, optimism ahead, support, success within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

What was this thing initially? Just men on a balcony enjoying success. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players will claim it’s not a real term, which is funny because if it doesn’t exist, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s the batsman attempting a move so depraved it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of the leader in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: thoughtful warrior, rugged appearance, untamed style, genuinely raw you wouldn’t be surprised to notice and notice he’s fielding at mid-off stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed speaking publicly, out there looking like a joyful figure smartly dressed, saying stuff like we’re challenging norms. Indeed, the energy, initially, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Togetherness strengthened via memorization of mantras. These principles are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the feeling of letdown post-defeat appears excessive, overdone. England batted badly during the match, as history shows. They were savaged defensively for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the criticism, the anger, the perception of the team as a failure. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be scoured, destroyed, destroyed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the simple basics of the bowler, marking his wickets with a bashful smile as if receiving a nice new fishing rod. What will this do to them?

4. The Backlash Phase

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

Ultimately, a few days before the next match, we are at a critical juncture in the journey of this movement. Victory is possible in the next Test in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, failure may follow. And if they do lose it appears we could be witnessing the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points to consider about this. In the past, back in those heady early days, of light and heat, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. People were very angry, which was helpful because everyone knows how to confirm lack of cult status is if supporters react defensively denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

Recent events in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans cheated out of three days of cricket, reminiscent of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, stating, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves culturally from us, it’s not serious in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The style was a trend since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a clique, an elite gathering, a closed world with two hundred years of ceremonial past supporting it. This has always been where influence is guarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the original sports washers. And surprisingly, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a place that literally still has a king.

England’s cricketers have been sealed up in this system since childhood. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their past, building another enclosure, a limited community, but doing it this time with a new team and a leader promoting authenticity as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Focus on the moment. Run towards the danger. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

Considering this, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for Bazball, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with