Strauss calls for better relations

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Hughes, the 20-year-old Australia opener, will play in county cricket for up to the first six weeks of the season - sparking a debate whether England should allow rivals a chance to test conditions before touring with their country.

"I think it is important that the counties work closely with the ECB - if the England team are doing well that benefits the counties and we need to make sure we are all working together and not going in different directions," said England skipper Strauss.

"There are times, understandably, when counties look after what they need to look after - they want to do well and keep their members happy.

"There is a bigger picture there as well. That is the challenge for the ECB and counties."

Strauss and Hughes will be team-mates at Middlesex - so at least the England captain will get a good look at Australia's precocious talent.

"Whether Phil Hughes or Stuart Clark are playing county cricket is not going to win or lose us the Ashes," Strauss said.

"Of course a young guy like him who hasn't played in England can get some real benefits from playing here for six weeks.

"The other side of it is that both Middlesex and other teams will pick out potential weaknesses that may not have been seen before. It's a double-edged sword."