Cricket News: The Irish Cricket Union (ICU) yesterday confirmed the national team will play two home one-day matches against the West Indies before the start of their English tour next summer.

The games will be played on Wednesday, June 16th, and Thursday, June 17th, at Stormont,Belfast, the scene of Ireland's historic 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe last summer.

"We're delighted to be able to confirm the visit of the West Indies," said ICU chief executive Peter Thompson. "The two matches will be a stern test for the national squad as we continue our build-up to the 2005 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup qualifying tournament, which will be staged for the first time in Ireland.

"The West Indies, under the leadership of Brian Lara, are an exciting team to watch, and I'm sure the matches will arouse great interest and support . . . all the more so since Ireland are currently on a nine-match winning streak."