Safety issue is England's last hope

England's controversial cricket tour of Zimbabwe looks likelier than ever to go ahead next month.

Zimbabwe were facing suspension from the world game after being accused of racism by their leading white players but an International Cricket Council inquiry has cleared them of the charge.

Now it seems that only safety concerns can prevent England from making the trip to Harare at the end of November for five one-day internationals.

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, and John Carr, a senior England Cricket Board executive, are now in Zimbabwe, checking out the security situation.

They will report their findings to Lord's.

Zimbabwe have been fielding a virtual second XI since April, when captain Heath Streak and 14 other senior white players walked out.

But an inquiry ordered by the ICC found "no evidence" to support allegations of racism against the Zimbabwe Cricket Union.