THE countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup's arrival in Taunton continued today, with the unveiling of a mural above The Wickets sandwich and coffee bar on St James Street.

The World Cup trophy has been on a tour of Somerset this week, visiting the likes of The Castle School and the Orchard Shopping Centre, before heading to Bristol.

READ MORE: Cricket World Cup trophy visits Taunton

This morning it had pride of place in front of the 'Taunton Are You In?' graffiti mural, in the company of England and Somerset cricketer Marcus Trescothick, and Somerset CCC mascot Stumpy.

There will be three World Cup matches in Taunton this summer – Afghanistan v New Zealand (Saturday, June 8), Australia v Pakistan (Wednesday, June 12) and West Indies v Bangladesh (Monday, June 17).

With these giants of the game coming to play at the County Ground, it means that a global TV audience of millions will have their eyes trained on Taunton.

And the town's hotels, restaurants and shops will also be hoping for a boost from travelling cricket fans coming to cheer their teams on.

In terms of interest and participation in cricket in the local area, Somerset legend Trescothick told the County Gazette: "You hope it can really kick it off.

"There's been certain series and games than have really made an impact in participation, like when England won the World T20.

"If England can go on and win this, it's going to make a massive difference.

"There's nothing greater than having the World Cup in your local town, with such great interest, a few good games at the club.

"You would hope the entire country buys into it, and takes on the spirit of the World Cup."

Cricket fans and Taunton residents are being encouraged to share selfies of mural above The Wickets on social media (Twitter and/or Instagram) using #CWC19Taunton, for a chance to win two tickets to the Australia v Pakistan match.

The competition will remain open for one week (i.e. ending on March 14) and the winning photo will be selected at random.