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The Journey of a Phenomenon can be defined by distinct phases.

1. The Big Idea

An inspiring figure or coaches present a revolutionary approach pledging a panacea for struggling players.

So here we are. Plans are in motion to challenge the establishment down in Brisbane. The gunships are circling. Smoke is rising from within. A lone figure, naked, anxious, the phrase ATTACKING MINDSET smeared across his chest as a symbol, has come staggering through the lines and is being led away in secrecy towards an inconclusive loan stint in county cricket.

Do you ever miss the start, when optimism reigned? The days of Bazball 1.0, of pure instinct.

2. Love-Bombing

Team architects promise a reboot, a brighter tomorrow, support, redemption among a group who all believe in the philosophy.

How did it feel back then? Players celebrating feeling good. Body art. Forearms. Determination. Confident masculinity. Admittedly, The squad will claim it’s not a real term, amusingly since it’s not recognized, what exactly did I just watch?

But we know its essence. It’s the player playing a shot so depraved it defies description. It’s the adrenaline of the captain in his final form, a demeanor suggesting: focused titan, rugged appearance, natural look, truly contemporary you almost imagine to glance over and notice he’s fielding at mid-off bare-chested embracing nature.

It’s the batsman continuing to have permission speaking publicly, out there looking like a cheerful animal in a waistcoat, saying stuff like we’re breaking down traditions. And yes, the vibe, for quite a long time, was uplifting.

3. The Growth Phase

Building period. Cohesion maintained by rote learning of mantras. These ideas are often illogical to prove commitment.

Is it just me? The reaction, the fury, the disappointment post-defeat feels overblown, overdone. The batting collapsed on the field, as is typical there. They were torn apart defensively in a short span as plans unraveled, carved around by the batsman imitating their style effectively, adjusting to the pitch, a man playing with a kind of light around him.

Now there is the attacks, the anger, the view of the sport as a disgrace. The consensus is that England don’t just need to lose, they should be dismantled, to be purged, flame-throwered, defeated by the vengeful purity of the pace attack, the low-fi orthodoxies of Scott Boland, marking his wickets modestly like he’s just been given a pleasant gift. How will they respond?

4. Hate Bonding

Issues emerge because of mistakes. However, faults are ignored. It starts to feed on anger towards critics.

Ultimately, half a week out from the second Test, we’ve entered a delicious point of tension in the journey of this thing. Victory is possible overseas with bold tactics. Alternatively, they could lose just as quickly. And if they do lose it seems we could be witnessing the decline.

Prior to that, a couple of points worth saying regarding this. More than two years ago, back in those heady early days, of optimism and energy, I wrote an article labeling it a movement. People were very angry, which proved the point because everyone knows a method to show lack of cult status is if supporters respond with anger rejecting criticism of the philosophy.

The developments in the last few days is just as interesting. Criticism of the approach has turned into a movement. Online outrage is widespread, angry English pundits, pictures of upset travelling fans disappointed by the short match, reminiscent of 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, your cherished traditions and have honed as part of your identity culturally from us, it’s not serious in the end old boy.

Here lies the truth. All movements are similar. The approach was a phenomenon since the sport itself is insular. In fact, English cricket has always been a cult, a circle, a private event, an insular community with two hundred years of tradition and mystery supporting it. It has long been where entry is limited. It’s the colonial game of the nation, the early image-makers. And surprisingly, the country is a phenomenon, a series of esoteric hierarchies, a royal family remains.

The team have been enclosed in this system since childhood. In trying to escape from it, to create a less brutal environment, they are simply replicating their past, building another enclosure, an exclusive group, however with a new team and a leader promoting authenticity if you fit the mold.

Focus on the moment. Embrace challenges. However much you change, you’re always basically in the same place.

Considering this, now is the time to offer compassion for the movement, to appreciate its good points, of which there are many. How to define it? Promoting liberation. Questioning traditions. Batting aggressively|Attacking with