Nelson celebrates 111 days to go

The New Zealand host-city shares its name with the cricketing term ‘Nelson’ – which is applied to team or individual scores of 111. Former International umpire David Shepherd was superstitious of the number, and made it popular by standing on one leg whenever 111 was brought up. Spectators noticed, and have continued to raise one leg whenever the score is on 111 ever since. The tradition is particularly strong with England’s fan group, the Barmy Army.

To mark the tradition, and celebrate Nelson’s role in #cwc15, Nelsonians were photographed standing on one leg across Nelson yesterday.

If you were in Nelson yesterday and wondering why people were hopping, skipping, or being photographed on one leg – it just means there are 111 days until Nelson hosts its first #cwc15 match when West Indies plays Ireland on 16 February 2015.

Nelson hosts three #cwc15 matches, with Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Scotland and United Arab Emirates also playing in the city. Click here for more information and to get tickets.