ECB will 'look at' funding West Indies Test if required, says Richard Thompson

ECB chair Richard Thompson says the board would consider covering costs for a women’s Test in the West Indies next year. The match could give England valuable preparation before the Ashes.

Cricket West Indies recently announced cost-cutting steps, including reducing player contracts. However, the ECB and CWI have not discussed cancelling the Test, and Thompson said he hopes it will go ahead.

Normally, the host cricket board pays visiting teams’ travel and accommodation costs. Thompson cited last year’s Zimbabwe men’s Test in England, when the ECB paid the visitors a touring fee.

England have played just one Test since the previous women’s Ashes, losing to India. The next Ashes begins with a one-off Test at Headingley in June.

England have not faced West Indies in a women’s Test since 1979; the Caribbean side last played a Test in 2004. Other possible preparation includes red-ball matches involving domestic players, with plans still being developed.