'Giant Catch' sculpture unveiled in Nottingham ahead of World Cup

Nottingham, May 23: Former England and Nottinghamshire spinner Graeme Swann, on Thursday, unveiled a spectacular 'Giant Catch' sculpture at the Council House in Nottingham city centre ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30.

The six-metre tall giant hand features a wristband with emblems of nations - England, Australia, Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh - who will play in five World Cup fixtures at Nottingham's Trent Bridge ground, ICC reported.

The venue will host its first match on May 31 where two-time winners West Indies will meet the 1992 champions Pakistan.

Nottingham will also hold a free-to-attend Official World Cup Fanzone in Old Market Square. In the first of the tournament's Fanzones, fans will be able to watch the live broadcast of the World Cup matches from May 30 to June 2, in addition to the family-friendly cricket activities for all ages and abilities.

Director of City and Spectator Experience for the World Cup, Paul Smith said: "We are delighted to reveal this eye-catching installation in Nottingham as we fast approach the start of the World Cup. Nottingham has a real passion for sport and we are sure this will turn a few heads in the city centre when people pass by."

"We look forward to bringing the buzz and excitement of the tournament into the city through this brilliant piece of artwork but also across the four-day Fanzone which runs in the city over the first weekend of the World Cup," Smith added.

Leader of Nottingham City Council, Councillor David Mellen said: "The 'Giant Catch' Hero image coming out of the Council House will be one of the iconic images of the tournament and we are proud to be chosen as the hosts for this pivotal moment on Old Market Square. Undoubtedly, the images will be shown across the world."

"This is a wonderful opportunity to show off our city and people will be inspired to come and visit us and find out what Nottingham is really about. We are looking forward to our sporting summer in the city and this really signals the start," Mellen added.