On Friday, New Zealand's oldest living first-class cricket reached a century mark many have not.
Alan Burgess first played domestic cricket for his beloved Canterbury in 1940, before missing his best playing years, serving his country in World War Two.
From taking nine wickets on debut as a 20-year-old, Burgess was fighting on the battlefield just nine months later, driving tanks through Italy and North Africa.
Celebrating his 100th birthday, Burgess told Newshub he always had the feeling he would survive the horrors of wartime and get back to his passion - cricket.
"When you're 21, 22 life's pretty free and easy - you never thought you were going to get killed," Burgess said.
"It was always the other chap."
Having fought alongside Charles Upham at the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, Burgess then toured England with the New Zealand Services team.
"He went on to coaching, including a Canterbury under-20 side in 1970 that included a 19-year-old tearaway by the name of Richard Hadlee. A bowler Burgess described as "pretty quick, and incredibly dedicated to cricket."
Hadlee was one of the many well-wishes to Burgess on Friday including Sir Ian Botham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Bear Grylls.
Botham toasting Burgess' remarkable milestone in typical style.
"Well played sir raise - that bat," Botham said in a video message.
"Better still, raise a glass of that good New Zealand Pinot.
"Have one for me. Happy Birthday Alan, well played."
Watch the video above for more.
