LITTLE Sam Bate was bowled over when he met his cricketing idols last week.
The 10-year-old youngster, who goes to St Oswald's Primary School in Winwick, was the England team's official mascot for the opening day of the second test against New Zealand at Headingley.
England team sponsors Vodafone asked the school to nominate a worthy pupil, and Sam was lucky enough to be chosen.
He said: "I've had a fantastic day.
"It was raining when we arrived but we had a tour of the Sky commentary bus and I had my picture taken with my favourite player, Andrew Flintoff."
Sam, who plays wicket keeper with Warrington Cricket Club, also got to go to the middle with the team captains for the toss.
England captain Michael Vaughan said: "It's every young cricket fan's dream and he even brought us a little luck as we won the toss.
"He's welcome to be our mascot any time."
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