Windies set for England tour

The West Indies have confirmed they will tour England at the start of next summer and replace Zimbabwe for the first Test series of the summer.

Political objections to Zimbabwe's tour forced their withdrawal earlier this year, prompting the England and Wales Cricket Board to cast around for replacement tourists.

Sri Lanka were approached initially, but the majority of their leading players are signed up on contracts for the Indian Premier League, which clashes with the two-Test series.

But after weeks of negotiations, the West Indies were confirmed as England's opponents at the start of a summer which also includes the Twenty20 World Cup and a home Ashes series.

"The West Indies are always popular visitors and this completes a wonderful summer of cricket," enthused David Collier, the ECB's chief executive.

"The ECB are most grateful for the excellent support and co-operation provided by the West Indies Board, with whom we have developed an excellent and warm relationship."

The West Indies will play two Tests, at Lord's from May 6 to 10 and at Chester-le-Street from May 14 to 18, before competing in a three-match one-day series at Headingley on May 21, in Bristol on May 24 and at Edgbaston on May 26.