Taibu has been named vice-captain for the tour

But the southern Africans revealed a much-weakened party for the trip, which includes two Tests and a one-day series.

Guy Whittall, Zimbabwe's most experienced all-rounder, is reported to have retired after being left out of the 15-man squad.

Relations between England and Zimbabwe became strained when Nasser Hussain's side pulled out of their World Cup match in Harare in February.

Zimbabwe Cricket Union chairman Peter Chingoka confirmed the tour to the England and Wales Cricket Board, having consulted with his government's Sport and Recreation Commission.

Itinerary: Zimbabwe in England

ECB chief executive Tim Lamb said: "I am delighted we have been given the definitive green light from the ZCU for the tour to go ahead.

"This guarantees a full international programme for the summer, including the first ever Test match to be held at Durham's Riverside ground.

"With Zimbabwe, South Africa and Pakistan touring, I look forward to another great summer of international cricket."

Taibu is capable of leading the team in the middle and has the respect of all players Coach Geoff Marsh on Zimbabwe's new vice-captain

Zimbabwe will arrive on 30 April to play Tests at Lord's and Durham and the one-day NatWest Series against England and South Africa.

They will also play seven first-class tour matches, including a meeting with Essex, who are likely to include recently-retired Zimbabwe batsman Andy Flower in their line-up.

Nineteen-year-old wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu is promoted to vice-captain for the trip.

Pace bowler Vusimuzi Sibanda is in line for an international debut after being named in the party as a replacement for the retired Henry Olonga.

And former skipper Stuart Carlisle returns to the side, at the expense of Craig Wishart, who scored 172 in the World Cup opener against Namibia.

Coach Geoff Marsh said Taibu is capable of leading the team despite his age.

"Age is just a number. In life, opportunities come in all ages and his has come now," the former Australia opener said.

"Taibu is capable of leading the team in the middle and has the respect of all players.

"I think a wicketkeeper makes a very good vice-captain because he is in the centre of the game. He's got good views of what's going on in the field."

Zimbabwe Test squad: Heath Streak (capt), Tatenda Taibu (wkt), Grant Flower, Dion Ebrahim, Mark Vermeulen, Barney Rogers, Sean Ervine, Andy Blignaut, Mluleki Nkala, Stuart Carlisle, Ray Price, Travis Friend, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Douglas Hondo, Douglas Marillier.