Nelson's Column takes centre stage in 100 days-to-go World Cup celebrations

The Nelson's Column on Tuesday played a central role in marking the 100 days to go to the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30 in England and Wales.

The famous monument in London's Trafalgar Square became part of a set of giant wickets, as the countdown until the 'world's greatest cricket celebration' officially began, ICC reported.

An array of high-profile figures from the world of sport, governance, culture and entertainment - Minister for Sports Mims Davies, Alastair Cook, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Nasser Hussain, Isa Guha, Rebecca Adlington and two-time World Cup winner Clive Lloyd - were in attendance as the 100-day Trophy Tour got underway.

The unique celebration of cricket's 50-over World Cup highlighted the once-in-a-generation chance for cricket fans in England and Wales to see the world's greatest players in action this summer.

On July 14, the winning captain will lift the coveted trophy, but first, fans across the country will get the chance to see it first hand as part of the Trophy Tour.

The tour began its 100-day journey of the country and will comprise of over 100 events across 115 locations to ensure all fans get the opportunity to 'get up close and personal' with the trophy.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, said: "Years of planning goes into the delivery of an ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, but the excitement becomes real with 100 days to go and the arrival of the trophy on the shores of England and Wales."

"Transforming one of London's most famous landmarks into giant wickets is a wonderful way to kick start the celebrations for what I know will be the greatest ever celebration of cricket for hundreds of millions of fans around the world," Richardson said.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has been named as the Official Trophy Tour Ambassador, when talking about the 100-day tour, Swann said: "I am proud to be part of a Trophy Tour that promises to deliver a glimpse of cricket's biggest prize to fans up and down the country and really build the excitement and expectation for the tournament."

"This summer promises to be hugely exciting for cricket here in England and Wales and around the world. The World Cup is at the absolute heart of the action and it all starts now with the Trophy Tour!"

The Trophy Tour will be visiting every Host City, including free to attend 'Super Saturday' events in Manchester on March 23, Birmingham on April 20 and Bristol on May 4.

The much-awaited World Cup 2019 is slated to take place from May 30 to July 14 in England and Wales.