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The Journey of a Movement tends to be characterized by clear stages.

1. The Grand Vision

An inspiring figure or coaches introduce an innovative concept offering a solution for struggling players.

So here we are. They’re getting ready to storm the compound overseas. The gunships are circling. Signs of trouble appear from the sidelines. An isolated player, vulnerable, nervous, the words HIGH RELEASE POINT written on his body as a statement, has come staggering from the field and is being led away under a blanket towards an inconclusive loan stint at Derbyshire.

Do you recall the beginning, when optimism reigned? The initial phase, of Bazball without brains.

2. Initial Adoration

Cult leaders promise a reboot, hope for a future, camaraderie, success within a community united in belief in the philosophy.

What was this thing at first? A team united enjoying success. Tattoos. Strength. Focus. Peak performance vibes. Oh sure, England’s players often say it’s not a real term, which is funny since it’s not recognized, what did we see?

But we know its essence. It’s Harry Brook playing a shot so outrageous it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain at his peak, a look that says: focused titan, rugged appearance, natural look, truly contemporary you almost imagine to look down and notice he’s fielding in the field bare-chested and cradling a wild salmon.

It’s the batsman still being allowed speaking publicly, appearing as a happy little woodland creature smartly dressed, saying stuff like we are actively deconstructing the orange. And yes, the energy, for a significant period, was uplifting.

3. Expansion Period

Development stage. Unity enforced via memorization of the cult’s slogans. These principles are often illogical as a loyalty check.

Is it just me? The reaction, the anger, the disappointment following the initial loss feels overblown, overdone. England batted badly during the match, as history shows. They were torn apart while bowling for a couple of hours when tactics failed, outplayed by the opponent playing aggressively but smarter, adjusting to the pitch, a performer excelling with aura.

Currently, we see the criticism, the anger, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they need to lose righteously, to be purged, obliterated, overwhelmed through sheer skill of Mitchell Starc’s movements, the simple basics of the bowler, marking his wickets modestly like he’s just been given a rewarding prize. How will they respond?

4. External Conflict

Issues emerge due to setbacks. Yet, mistakes are denied. It begins to thrive on hatred of the outside world.

Ultimately, a few days before the next match, we are at a critical juncture in the lifespan of this thing. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. More likely, failure may follow. In case of defeat it feels like we could be witnessing the decline.

Ahead of this, there are two things to note about this. In the past, at the start, of light and heat, a column appeared calling it a phenomenon. There was outrage, which demonstrated because everyone knows a method to show lack of cult status is if supporters react defensively denying scrutiny of the beliefs.

The developments recently is just as interesting. Opposition to the style is now the trend. We have a uniformly angry internet, disappointed commentators, shots of angry middle-aged travelling fans disappointed by the short match, like a room full of people wanting fairness.

On the other hand, we have the wider backdrop of the host’s complex ingrained annoyance with the aggressive tourists, out there saying, your cherished traditions and have fostered and nurtured to distinguish yourselves from the opposition, it’s just a joke after all.

Here lies the truth. Everything is a cult. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. Or rather, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, an elite gathering, an insular community with a long history of opaque and ritualistic cult history supporting it. It has long been where influence is guarded. It’s the imperial sport of England, the pioneering brand. And guess what, Britain is itself a cult, a structure of hidden ranks, a royal family remains.

The team have been isolated in this system from a young age. Attempting to break free, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their own experience, building another enclosure, a closed circle, but doing it this time with a new team and a leader encouraging individuality provided you conform.

Stay present. Embrace challenges. But no matter how fast and far you run, things stay similar.

With this mind, it is perhaps the moment to show understanding for the movement, to appreciate its good points, which are significant. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with