A TALENTED young cricketer recovering from a brain haemorrhage was simply bowled over when he met his sporting heroes.

Hashim Akhtar enjoyed his first full day out — at a cricket match — after suffering the brain haemorrhage in May when he was playing in a match for Astley Bridge Cricket Club. He was found collapsed and was placed into an induced coma which he came out at the beginning of July.

Hashim received overwhelming support and prayers from across Bolton and beyond, particularly from the cricketing community, including Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who retweeted the community’s wishes for a full recovery. He is now undergoing rehabilitation and is walking and remembering more.

On Thursday, the 18-year-old watched England v Pakistan at Old Trafford and was invited to meet the players before they went on to the field for the final game in the summer super-series — which Pakistan won.

Hashim, who lives with his family in Deane, said: “It was really good meeting the cricketers. It was my first time at a match because usually I just watch it on television, so it was really good.

“They told me to stay strong.”

He added: “I think my brothers were more excited to meet the players.”

Hashim said: “I am looking forward to spend the weekend with my family.”

The meeting was arranged by his cousin Tokeer, who emailed the Pakistani Cricket board.

Mrs Akhtar, Hashim’s mum, said: “Hashim knew he was able to go to the match, we had asked the hospital and we were told it was okay.

“He bought the tickets last year and was even more excited and happy when he found out he had a VIP invitation to meet the players.

“Wahab had tweeted about him and I heard wanted to meet Hashim.”

Hashim will spend the weekend at home to celebrate Eid with his family and hopefully will be discharged fully from hospital in the near future.

Mrs Akhtar added: “Hashim has been allowed to come home for the evenings and a few days. Last weekend he was able to attend a wedding and will be home this weekend for Eid.”