West Indies chief says ECB help would make women's Test a certainty

West Indies are still hopeful of hosting England in a women's Test next year, but the landmark fixture would be a certainty if the England and Wales Cricket Board were to help fund it, says chief executive Chris Dehring. ECB chair Richard Thompson suggested on Monday the board could step in to help the hosts maintain the red-ball element of the multi-format tour.

England want the Test to go ahead to aid their preparations for next summer's Ashes. It would be a first women's Test for West Indies since 2004. Dehring told BBC Sport the Caribbean board would welcome assistance from wealthier member boards.

The England tour is due in April and May next year and includes three T20s and three one-day internationals in addition to the Test. Cricket West Indies is yet to announce a schedule and is under financial pressure after cancelling a women's Test against Australia earlier this year.