LONDON, Dec 4: The West Indies squad will tour England next year to replace Sri Lanka, which decided not to send a full-strength side because of the demands of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Wednesday that West Indies, who were long rumoured to be lined up as a replacement, will play two Tests and three One-day Internationals in May before England take on Australia for the Ashes.

Sri Lanka were unable to send a full side because many of their leading players are contracted to play Twenty20 in the IPL, which clashes with the scheduled tour.

Sri Lanka itself was only a replacement for Zimbabwe. England scrapped that series, with the backing of the British government, in protest against Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe.

“The West Indies are always popular visitors and this completes a wonderful summer of cricket,” ECB Chief Executive David Collier said. “The ECB is most grateful for the excellent support and co-operation provided by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) with whom we have developed an excellent and warm relationship.”

The West Indies will play their first Test at Lord’s from May 6 to 10, with the second at Chester-le-Street from May 14 to 18. They will then compete in a three-match one-day series at Headingley on May 21, Bristol (May 24) and Edgbaston (May 26).—Agencies