Captain Tom Moore was delighted to get a surprise video call this week from a hero of his own - England Test captain Joe Root.
"You're a huge inspiration to me," enthused Root to the 99-year-old, who has raised an incredible £27 million - and counting - for NHS charities.
A massive cricket fan, Captain Tom told SPORTbible afterwards that he was "in awe" after speaking to his fellow Yorkshireman via video.
The call was set up as part of SPORTbible's Connected campaign - connecting elite athletes with everyday heroes to offer them support and encouragement as we unite during these challenging times.
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Heroically, Captain Tom used his time to throw some light sledging the way of the Aussies.
"I'm looking forward to the time when you've got the Australians about - and you're routing them, as I'm sure you will," he said to Root.
Legendary. Joe, seizing his opportunity, asked Captain Tom to come in and give England a team talk to "get all the lads in the right frame of mind" when international cricket returns.
The surprises didn't stop there. Root invites Captain Tom and his family to a game - and shows him a signed shirt from England's 2019 World Cup victory that he's sending over. The MCC have also invited the Second World War veteran to ring the opening bell at Lord's.
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Captain Tom, a lifelong cricket lover, is set to reach a century of his own on April 30th when he turns 100. But he still has the same joy we all would at speaking to a player he admires.
"I've watched Joe playing such magnificent cricket and he is a star in himself," he tells SPORTbible.
As well as arranging for Root to talk to Captain Tom, the Connected project has also seen Patrice Evra surprise a Man United fan who ran a marathon in his back garden, Toby Alderweireld talk to an NHS worker and let Jack Butland offer some pro tips to a young goalkeeper.
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Get in touch with us on social media @sportbible if you know anyone who deserves a call from one of their sporting heroes - and click here to donate to Captain Tom Moore's 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Cricket, Cricket World Cup