SA confirm England trip

South Africa are currently top of the ICC Test Championship

South Africa's cricket authorities have given the go-ahead to their 2003 tour of England.

But Zimbabwe, expected to play two Tests at the beginning of the season, have yet to make a final decision on their trip.

Reports a month ago suggested the United Cricket Board of South Africa could pull out of their commitment following England's decision not to play a World Cup match in Harare.

Full story:
South Africa threaten boycott

But the side, under new captain Graeme Smith, will now go ahead with the planned five Tests.

SA TESTS IN ENGLAND

24 - 28 July: Edgbaston

31 July - 4 Aug: Lord's

14 - 18 Aug: Trent Bridge

21 - 25 Aug: Headingley

4 - 8 Sept: 5th Test, The Oval

They will also take part in the one-day NatWest Series, although a third team may have to be found should Zimbabwe pull out.

"I am pleased to announce that South Africa have confirmed their intention to tour England this summer," said England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tim Lamb.

"There is strong demand for tickets with revenues already at the £4 million mark."

South Africa currently top the official ICC Test Championship table, following series victories over Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the last few months.

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Morgan bids to save tour

The Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) will make a final decision on their tour at the end of this month.

ECB chairman David Morgan will fly to Harare next week in an attempt to convince his counterparts to go ahead with the tour.

Pakistan, already playing three one-day internationals against England in June, are a possible replacement should the decision not go England's way.