An ECB statement said the four-year plan would provide "performance-related fees to counties for producing England cricketers".

The ECB initiative aims to build on the success of the national team, which is ranked second in the world to Australia [ Images ]. The two countries meet in the five-Test Ashes series starting in July.

"I'm certainly happy with the performance-related development of the county scene, counties getting rewarded for developing English-based players," said England captain Michael Vaughan [ Images ].

"The crucial facts of the last year or so are that England has had a number of heroes for the kids to look up to. There are a lot of people talking about cricket now."