England’s Brendon McCullum held a call with county cricket head coaches and directors on Wednesday amid unrest between the domestic and international game.

The relationship between England and the counties has come under scrutiny following this winter’s Ashes defeat and England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Rob Key has spoken about wanting to improve relations.

Surrey head coach Gareth Batty said last month the route from county cricket to the Test team has become “misted over” since McCullum and Key took charge in 2022, while Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace has said McCullum has “no interest” in the county game.

Both head coach McCullum and Key were on Wednesday’s call, along with ECB performance director Ed Barney, Troy Cooley, who has returned to the ECB as men’s pace bowling lead, David Court, whose remit covers player identification at the ECB, and county coaches and directors of cricket.

The ECB contingent outlined what they are looking for in future England and England Lions players.

Speaking at Derbyshire’s pre-season media day, coach Mickey Arthur said counties “got some clarity”.

Another county coach suggested the call was positive but said any improvements must be backed up by action.

“I don’t want to get involved in the actual contents of the call, to be honest, but it was a good call,” Arthur said.

“We got some clarity on their aims and their ambitions, what their short-term goal is now and how they’re looking to achieve it.”