England’s McCullum told to improve relations with counties before Ashes review

• ECB decision to back coach will be confirmed on Monday

• Lord’s summit with all county directors due next week

Brendon McCullum has been told he must improve relations with the counties after being backed to stay on as England coach despite this winter’s 4-1 Ashes defeat.

The Guardian revealed the day after England’s T20 World Cup exit three weeks ago that McCullum would continue, a decision that will be confirmed on Monday by the England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould and managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key.