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The Journey of a Phenomenon tends to be defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads introduce a revolutionary approach pledging a solution for disconnected individuals.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to confront the system in Australia. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from the sidelines. One individual, exposed, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT written on his body as a statement, has come staggering from the field and is removed in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you ever miss the start, when the world was still young? The era of early Bazball, of pure instinct.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Team architects offer a fresh beginning, hope for a future, camaraderie, salvation together with shared faith in the philosophy.

What was this thing at first? A team united feeling good. Ink. Forearms. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Of course, The squad often say it’s not a real term, amusingly because if it doesn’t exist, what was that spectacle?

Yet it’s clear what it is. It’s Harry Brook attempting a move so outrageous it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of the leader in ultimate mode, an expression conveying: thoughtful warrior, strong features, untamed style, so authentically Modern Savage you half-expect to glance over and notice he’s fielding at mid-off stripped to the waist and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s Ben Duckett still being allowed speaking publicly, appearing as a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, expressing thoughts like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the vibe, initially, was only good energy.

3. A New Life

Growth phase. Cohesion maintained through repetition of key phrases. These ideas are often illogical to prove commitment.

Am I alone? The criticism, the outrage, the sense of betrayal post-defeat seems too strong, overdone. England batted badly during the match, as history shows. They were dominated in the field for a couple of hours as the bowling and captaincy fell apart, carved around by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, responsive to the situation, a performer excelling with a kind of light around him.

Currently, we see the attacks, the rage, the perception of the team as a kind of abomination. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be scoured, obliterated, destroyed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the veteran, out there celebrating his wickets modestly as if receiving a rewarding prize. What will this do to them?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge from failures in the plan. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, approaching from the second Test, we have now reached a delicious point of tension in the journey of this approach. England could quite easily win overseas through aggressive play. Probably, failure may follow. And if they do lose it appears we may see the final stage.

Before that happens, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, at the start, of light and heat, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. There was outrage, which was helpful since it’s clear a method to show lack of cult status is when its acolytes react defensively objecting to the questioning of its truths.

Recent events in the last few days are fascinating. Opposition to the style has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, critical analysts, images of frustrated travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of people wanting fairness.

Meanwhile, there is the broader context of Australia’s more nuanced more culturally hard-wired exasperation towards the unconventional visitors, stating, your cherished traditions and have honed as one way of separating yourself culturally from us, well, it’s all a bit of a gag ultimately.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. Or at least, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a garden party, an insular community with two hundred years of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. It has long been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the British, the early image-makers. And guess what, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been isolated within this world since childhood. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their own experience, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but now with 15 cool guys and a mentor encouraging individuality if you fit the mold.

Stay present. Run towards the danger. But no matter how fast and far you run, things stay similar.

With this mind, it might be appropriate to have some sympathy for the movement, to appreciate its good points, that are numerous. What is Bazball? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with