A few weeks ago I saw the movie Volcano High. I was struck by a resemblance, perhaps it was just something in the bleachbetween the shit hot hero, of VH and golden boy MC. Perhaps it goes a bit beyond the hair. Kim, the VH protagonist has massive powers, he may be young but his powers exceed even those of the most feared teacher’s. It seems all Kim needs is to learn a little finesse. Such great power can not be unleashed lightly, without rigorous attention to the impact the unleashing could have upon the world. In the movie this attentiveness is what Kim is learning. All throughout VH Kim is getting involved in minor scraps with other students at VH. Though he is impeccably capable of defeating every comer, and despite wanting so badly to show what he is capable of in order to impress the captain of the Kendo team with whom he is smitten, Kim is continually, at the crucial point in the combat, reminded by a voice or a flashback that he must exercise restraint, that the reckless wielding of such great power as his can only lead to death. Kim is represented in one revelatory flashback as the boy whose powers make him sad. Kim is disciplined and without fail he fails to capitalise on the unbeatable position he has worked his way into. He lets his opponents beat him into the mud, in front of the girl of his dreams he willingly offers himself up to disgrace. But he has shown enough of his talents that there are those in the film that realise his greatness – the girl of course thinks he’s alright all along. Clarkey’s had 2 big innings in test cricket. His debut match in India and his home ground debut at the Gabba against nz. That is to say he’s put himself in positions where prodigious greatness has been well within his grasp. But of a night there have been whispers in his head. Whoa back there son, think of the game, don’t let it all go too early, protect your power, think of the ones around you & whatyou will destroy. So MC has satisified himself with small cameos and disappointing shots down deep fielders throats just when he looked to be striking the ball so cleanly. Displaying promise but not going on with it. In the end of VH Kim finally unleashes his full and now perfectly focussed powers upon the brilliant yet evil replacement teacher who is terrorising the school. An immense conflict ensues in the rain, Kim harnesses all the power the storm has to offer and leaves his opponent for dead, gets the girl… It will be interesting to see what happens in the Ashes if things are a little damp & a big innings from Clarkey is desperately required.

Everyone loves Volcano High in much the same way as everyone loves Clarkey. Buried but irresistible forces take to the sky – this is what happens in instances of volcanoes – during the Ashes, hearts long won already will be won once and for all.