CRICKET-MAD Harvey Parry knew it was going to be the best day of his life so thought he had better get ready early.

After all, the ten-year-old was heading to Lord’s to meet his hero, England ace Joe Root.

6 Harvey Parry got the chance to step up to the stumps and play with his heroes Credit: Fame Flynet

6 After getting some tips from the professionals, Harvey was ready for his moment in the spotlight Credit: Fame Flynet

6 Cricket mad Harvey faced down the bowling skills of England star Joe Root Credit: Fame Flynet

But the courageous schoolboy, who lost both legs to meningitis as a toddler, did not just meet Joe — he got to face his bowling.

Last month The Sun on Sunday told how Harvey’s parents were warned to expect the worst after meningitis struck him in 2007.

His only chance of survival was to have his legs amputated and fingers removed from his right hand.

We told how he loved to play cricket and that Harvey’s dream was to play for England at Lord’s.

And thanks to The Sun on Sunday, some of that has come true.

His story was read by assistant England coach Paul Farbrace, who invited Harvey to meet the team as they trained.

When the excited youngster visited the hallowed ground, he was given a front-row seat in the stands.

Harvey was transfixed even before stars Chris Woakes, Nick Compton and James Vince stopped by to shake his hand.

But then it was Harvey’s turn to grab a bat and join in.

6 Harvey lost both his legs and the fingers on his right hand in a battle with meningitis as a toddler Credit: Barcroft Media

Joe offered to bowl, below far left, with Paul standing behind the wicket. England ­captain Alastair Cook offered Harvey some tips, encouraging him to ­wallop the ball over the ­practice net — which he did, and came away grinning from ear to ear.

Harvey said: “My friends won’t believe I’ve played cricket with Joe Root. It was awesome.”

6 Harvey's trip to Lords saw him smash a few sixes while meeting his heroes Credit: Fame Flynet

It was a moment mum Carol, and dad Jon, an IT consultant, could never have expected when Harvey was hit with meningitis when he was just 15 months old.

Of her boy’s special day out, Carol said: “I’ve never seen him so smiley. He’s in his element.

6 Harvey's mum Carol never expected to see him play cricket after he he was ill when he was just 15 months old Credit: Fame Flynet

“Coming here and playing cricket with able-bodied people has really boosted his ­confidence.

Harvey has met his heroes at Lord’s but a lot of people would see Harvey as a hero

“He has always wanted to be able to play sport like everyone else and this shows he can. Playing at Lord’s is a dream come true for him.”

Harvey, who plays for the Under-10s at his local West Chiltington and Thakeham Cricket Club in West Sussex, can’t wait to wow his friends with the tips he picked up.

And as the training session came to an end, Paul explained how touching he found Harvey’s story.

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The coach said: “Harvey has met his heroes at Lord’s but a lot of people would see Harvey as a hero.

“He is doing everything he can to lead a normal life — and that is heroic in itself.”

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