The ancient Greeks believed that the gods Deimos and Phobos stalked the battlefield. These sons of Ares spread panic amongst the ranks. Fear was infectious. All it took was one afflicted soldier to turn and run before entire armies were routed.
The stakes are much lower during a batting collapse but the same invisible force can descend on those yet to take guard in the middle. Like a herd of spooked wildebeest a dressing room can become gripped by terror as the wickets column ticks over, especially when an apex predator like Stuart Broad is charging towards the crease with wicked intent.
