ECB chairman Morgan has been criticised over the Zimbabwe tour

England and Wales Cricket Board deputy chairman Mike Soper has dismissed suggestions counties are unhappy with the handling of the Zimbabwe tour.

Newspaper reports suggested Soper is being urged to bid for chairman David Morgan's job because of the row.

But Soper said: "The counties fully understand the invidious position in which the board finds itself."

He added a recent meeting displayed "unanimous support" for the way the board has dealt with the issue.

Soper also heads the First Class Forum, which is made up of chairmen from 18 first class counties and is to meet on 11 May.

The group are expected to discuss Zimbabwe, the domestic game and proposals to streamline the ECB.

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Morgan and ECB chief executive Tim Lamb have been criticised for dragging the Zimbabwe controversy out for months.

England are supposed to be touring there in October but a final decision has yet to be made.

Lamb and Morgan meet government officials on Thursday hoping to receive a directive not to tour the troubled country.

But that seems unlikely, meaning England face crippling financial consequences if they boycott the tour on moral grounds.

Critics believe the issue should have been resolved months ago, particularly in light of the farcical surroundings of England's 2003 World Cup boycott.

But England remain in a no-win situation and seem set to fulfil the tour despite intense pressure to pull out.