England last visited Zimbabwe in October 2001

The news was a boost to Zimbabwe officials, who emerged from a meeting at Lord's on Tuesday expecting England to confirm the trip.

Morgan said unless otherwise directed by the government, England would go.

He said: "It's fairly certain England will have to honour the commitment so long as it's safe and secure."

The chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket Union, Peter Chingoka, said after the meeting: "We are hoping in a couple of weeks' time that they [ECB] will come up with a decision that is correct.

"International cricket relies heavily on the goodwill that exists between Boards in maintaining the integrity of the ICC Future Tours Programme.

"Zimbabwe showed that faith by visiting the UK last summer and we are confident that England will reciprocate by confirming its tour."

Chingoka would not be drawn on what the ZCU intended to do if England decided to send a second string squad.

Given the retribution threatened by the ICC, it's not so much about losing money if they don't go as facing the destruction of English cricket From Alison H Have your say on TMS

The ECB has already told players they would not be forced to go on the tour.

Chingoka added: "That is their prerogative. We will play against the best team that is available from England."

ECB bosses meet government officials Jack Straw and Tessa Jowell on 4 May and a decision could be made then.

In meeting with foreign secretary Straw and culture secretary Jowell, the ECB is likely to ask for a directive not to play the series, which under International Cricket Council rules would allow England to drop out.

But Morgan is not hopeful.

"It appears that the government won't give us that instruction," he said.

"They have invited us to a meeting in the early part of next month, and one couldn't be certain of their position until we've had that meeting."

England pulled out of a World Cup match in Zimbabwe last February, following protests at the regime of President Robert Mugabe.

Protestors like Peter Tatchell will be kept out for Chingoka's visit

If they do not tour, England could be fined �1.1m and face a suspension from international cricket, which may cost tens of millions of pounds.

Currently, 15 leading Zimbabwe players are refusing to play in protest at the sacking of captain Heath Streak and controversial selection policies.

A shadow side, with just four experienced players, took to the field for the first one-day international against Sri Lanka in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

On this issue Chingoka said: "The door is very, very wide open for everybody to come back in the team."