🔗 Share this article

The Journey of a Phenomenon is often defined by distinct phases.

1. The Grand Vision

A charismatic leader or figureheads propose a revolutionary approach pledging a panacea for alienated and vulnerable people.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to storm the compound down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. One individual, exposed, nervous, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a symbol, has emerged into view and is taken aside in secrecy for a temporary assignment in county cricket.

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

2. Initial Adoration

Team architects offer a new start, a brighter tomorrow, camaraderie, redemption among a group who all believe in the method.

How did it feel at first? A team united basking in glory. Body art. Strength. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Of course, The team will claim they don’t use the label, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s Harry Brook executing a stroke so unconventional it has to be pixelated. It’s the excitement of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, strong features, natural look, genuinely raw you almost imagine to glance over and notice he’s fielding on the ground stripped to the waist holding a fish.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed speaking publicly, resembling a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, uttering phrases such as we are actively deconstructing the orange. Indeed, the vibe, for a significant period, was only good energy.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Cohesion maintained via memorization of mantras. These beliefs are often illogical as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The criticism, the fury, the feeling of letdown post-defeat feels overblown, overdone. The batting collapsed during the match, as they often do in Australia. They were torn apart while bowling in a short span when tactics failed, outplayed by Travis Head playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, an athlete shining with aura.

Now there is the attacks, the anger, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The consensus is that defeat must be total, they must be humbled, to be scoured, flame-throwered, defeated through sheer skill of the pace attack, the simple basics of the bowler, seen enjoying achievements with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. The Backlash Phase

Issues emerge because of mistakes. Yet, mistakes are denied. It turns to anger towards critics.

Ultimately, a few days before from the second Test, we are at a critical juncture in the journey of this approach. England could quite easily win overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Probably, failure may follow. In case of defeat it feels like we could be witnessing the death cult phase.

Before that happens, there are two things worth saying on the topic. Previously, during the initial excitement, of passion and hope, I wrote an article suggesting Bazball was a cult. There was outrage, which proved the point because everyone knows the best way of proving lack of cult status is when its acolytes react defensively denying scrutiny of the philosophy.

The developments recently is just as interesting. It seems that hating Bazball has turned into a movement. Social media is furious, disappointed commentators, pictures of upset followers overseas missing out on play, similar to investors demanding recourse.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have honed to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, well, it’s all a bit of a gag after all.

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 a long history of tradition and mystery supporting it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the colonial game of the British, the pioneering brand. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been isolated in this system from a young age. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are mirroring their upbringing, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, however with 15 cool guys and a leader who wants you to be yourself as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Live where your feet are. Embrace challenges. However much you change, things stay similar.

Reflecting on this, now is the time to offer compassion for Bazball, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with