The ECB has confirmed West Indies will tour England for two Tests and three one-day internationals in April and May, 2009. This means Sri Lanka's proposed visit is off, the first instance of the IPL taking precedence over a Test series.

West Indies were the favourites to take their place after offering their services to the ECB even though some of their players, including Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, also have IPL deals.

They will play two Tests, the first at Lord's starting on May 6 following by one at Chester-le-Street from May 14. Those will be followed by three one-day internationals ahead of the World Twenty20 in June.

The first Test between England and West Indies will be played on 6th May 2009 at Lord's, London.