TEST cricket will return to Riverside next May after the West Indies were confirmed as England’s opponents for a two-Test series next summer.

The West Indies replace Sri Lanka, who themselves replaced Zimbabwe, as England’s opponents for the opening Test series of the summer, and will compete in the second Test at Chester-le-Street between May 14-18. The brief series will effectively act as the warm-up to the eagerlyawaited Ashes showdown with Australia that is scheduled for July and August.

The West Indies were England’s most recent Test opponents at Riverside, with Paul Collingwood making an emotional century in June 2007.

Next summer’s re-run will see batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul become the first Durham player to play Test cricket against England at Riverside.

“The West Indies are always popular visitors and this completes a wonderful summer of cricket,” said ECB chief executive David Collier.

“The ECB are grateful for the excellent support and cooperation provided by the West Indies Board, with whom we have developed an excellent relationship.”

Political objections to Zimbabwe’s tour forced their withdrawal this year, prompting the ECB 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.

Weeks of negotiations have secured the West Indies’ participation at the start of a summer that will also include the Twenty20 World Cup.

The West Indies will play two Tests, at Lord’s from May 6-10 and at Riverside from May 14-18.

They will then compete in a three-match one-day international series at Headingley on May 21, Bristol on May 24 and Edgbaston on May 26.