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The Journey of a Cult can be defined by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or figureheads propose an innovative concept that promises a panacea for struggling players.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to storm the compound in Australia. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from within. A lone figure, naked, shivering, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET written on his body as a symbol, has stumbled into view and is being led away under a blanket to a different team elsewhere.

Remember the beginning, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. The Honeymoon Phase

Movement founders promise a fresh beginning, hope for a future, love, success together united in belief in the philosophy.

What did it represent at first? Just men on a balcony basking in glory. Body art. Muscles. Focus. Elite male wellness energy. Of course, England’s players insist it’s not a real term, which is funny as it’s denied, what did we see?

However, everyone understands its essence. It’s the batsman executing a stroke so unconventional it defies description. It’s the thrill of the captain at his peak, an expression conveying: pensive Nordic god, strong features, untamed style, truly contemporary you almost imagine to glance over and find him positioned on the ground shirtless embracing nature.

It’s the batsman often seen addressing the media, resembling a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, expressing thoughts like we’re challenging norms. Certainly, the atmosphere, for quite a long time, was entirely positive.

3. The Growth Phase

Development stage. Cohesion maintained via memorization of mantras. These beliefs may seem irrational as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The criticism, the outrage, the disappointment after the first Ashes Test defeat feels overblown, too much. The batting collapsed in Perth, as history shows. They were torn apart in the field in a short span as plans unraveled, manipulated by Travis Head batting like England but better, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, the frustration, the perception of the team as a disgrace. The feeling seems to be that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be scoured, destroyed, overwhelmed by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the conventional tactics of Scott Boland, marking successes with a bashful smile like he’s just been given a nice new fishing rod. What impact will this have?

4. The Backlash Phase

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

In truth, half a week out the upcoming game, we are at an intriguing moment in the story of this approach. Victory is possible overseas through aggressive play. Probably, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it seems we may see the death cult phase.

Prior to that, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. In the past, during the initial excitement, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. People were very angry, which demonstrated because everyone knows a method to show that it’s not a closed group is if supporters send hundreds of furiously one-eyed messages rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

What has happened lately are equally notable. Criticism of the approach is now the trend. Social media is furious, angry English pundits, images of frustrated travelling fans missing out on play, like a room full of investors demanding recourse.

Conversely, there is the broader context of the opponent’s mixed ingrained annoyance at these weirdly passive-aggressive buccaneers, out there saying, hey, that thing you love and have fostered and nurtured as one way of separating yourself from the opposition, it’s not serious after all.

And this is the real point. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon because cricket is a cult. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, an insular community with centuries of ceremonial past supporting it. Historically, this was where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the early image-makers. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a system of unknown levels, a monarchy still exists.

The team have been sealed up in this system since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are just repeating their own experience, forming a new circle, a closed circle, but doing it this time with a modern squad and a mentor encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Stay present. Confront risks. Despite efforts, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to have some sympathy for the approach, to recognize its positives, that are numerous. What does it represent? Creating a sense of freedom. Defying norms. Batting aggressively|Attacking with