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The Life Cycle of a Cult is often defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or leaders propose a new and transcendent idea offering a solution for alienated and vulnerable people.

Thus we find ourselves. They’re getting ready to storm the compound in Australia. Pressure is mounting. Smoke is rising from the out-houses. One individual, naked, shivering, the slogan POSITIVE INTENT smeared across his chest as a statement, has stumbled through the lines and is being led away with discretion towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you recall the beginning, when everything was fresh? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

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

How did it feel at first? Players celebrating basking in glory. Body art. Forearms. Jawlines. Elite male wellness energy. Admittedly, England’s players often say they don’t use the label, ironically as it’s denied, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know the concept. It’s the player attempting a move so unconventional it’s beyond belief. It’s the adrenaline of Ben Stokes in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: pensive Nordic god, beard made of wood, hair woven from beaver hide, truly contemporary you wouldn’t be surprised to glance over and notice he’s fielding in the field bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the opener still being allowed speaking publicly, out there looking like a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re breaking down traditions. Certainly, the energy, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Cohesion maintained via memorization of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational as a test of “true belief”.

Does anyone else feel? The reaction, the outrage, the disappointment post-defeat seems too strong, too much. The performance was poor during the match, as is typical there. They were savaged defensively for a couple of hours as plans unraveled, manipulated by Travis Head imitating their style effectively, responsive to the situation, a man playing with brilliance.

Now there is the attacks, the rage, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they must be humbled, to be scoured, destroyed, destroyed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the conventional tactics of the veteran, marking achievements with a bashful smile as if receiving a rewarding prize. What impact will this have?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It starts to feed on hostility externally.

The fact remains, half a week out the next match, we are at a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible overseas in a blur of adrenal disruption. Alternatively, defeat could come swiftly. And if they do lose it appears we could be witnessing the final stage.

Prior to that, there are two things to consider on the topic. In the past, during the initial excitement, of passion and hope, I wrote an article calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which demonstrated because everyone knows how to confirm that it’s not a closed group is should followers react defensively objecting to the questioning of the beliefs.

What has happened in the last few days are equally notable. Opposition to the style has now become the cult. We have a uniformly angry internet, angry English pundits, images of frustrated followers overseas cheated out of three days of cricket, similar to people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed deep-seated frustration towards the unconventional visitors, stating, hey, that thing you love and have developed as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s not serious ultimately.

This is the core issue. All movements are similar. The style was a trend as the game has its own culture. In fact, the sport in England is closed, a circle, a garden party, a restricted environment with centuries of tradition and mystery defining it. This has always been a place where power and access are hoarded. It’s the British pastime of the nation, the early image-makers. And notably, the nation has its own culture, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The players have been isolated within this world for years. Attempting to break free, to foster positivity, they are mirroring their upbringing, creating another a bubble, a closed circle, however with 15 cool guys and a leader promoting authenticity as long as yourself is quite a lot like myself.

Live where your feet are. Confront risks. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to offer compassion for the movement, to acknowledge its merits, that are numerous. What does it represent? Encouraging expression. Challenging orthodoxies. Batting aggressively|Attacking with