New captain Pat Cummins wanted Steve Smith by his side

Pat Cummins insisted Steve Smith be his vice-captain as he contemplates being Australia’s first fast-bowling Test skipper in more than half a century.

Pat Cummins and Tim Paine had formed a close bond as captain and vice-captain Picture: AAP

Pat Cummins insisted Steve Smith be his vice-captain as he contemplates the intricacies of being Australia’s first fast-bowling Test skipper in more than half a century.

He admits the situation will be fluid and rejects any notion that he will need to rest from Test cricket at any time in the future, However, Cummins says he cannot see himself remaining captain for the rest of his career.

Smith, who has watched the captain who replaced him resign and then step away from the game this week, acknowledges there will be “some negativity” over his recall to a leadership role following the sandpaper incident, but he’s had to develop a thick hide to survive to this point.

David Warner, who carries a lifetime leadership ban, is watching mutely from the slips cordon, but Cummins nominated him as one of the key people he will turn to for advice.

“I think there’s a couple of more unknowns about having a bowling captain and that’s why from the outset I was absolutely determined if I was captain to have someone like Steve as vice-captain next to me,” Cummins said when he did a joint press conference to announce the leadership changes.

“We’re so well planned these days with not only the players we have around us, but the staff. I feel like I’ve got quite a lot of experience to draw on.

“I think a lot of the problems or potential issues around being a fast-bowling captain, hopefully, I’m sure we’ll be able to work through. Feeling overall excitement as opposed to being too nervous about what might happen.”

Any excitement around the investiture was qualified by the circumstances of Tim Paine’s decision to stand down as captain and the news on Friday morning that he would not be returning to the side.

His management at DSEG confirmed the story first reported by The Australian in a brief but profound social media statement.

“Confirming that @tdpaine36 is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break,” the post said.

“We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie’s wellbeing and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Cummins, who was Paine’s vice-captain, confirmed they had been in constant contact.

“I’ve been chatting to Tim the whole week, spoke to him on the phone this morning,” he said.

“We really feel for Tim and his family. He’s just a really loved, well respected leader for our team. He’s been incredible for me, especially since being vice-captain he’s been someone who has looked after me who I’ve learned a lot off. That’s consistent with all the boys and the staff up here.

“We really feel for Tim and what he’s going through. We love him, we hope we see him back in the team soon and just wish him all the best.

“He’s going through a tough time. We feel for him.”

Cummins and Smith will need to develop a method for setting fields and possibly even calling bowling changes when the captain finds himself gasping for air at third man.

“I’m completely guided by Patrick and whatever he needs on the field,” Smith said.

“That’s my job. If there’s times when Patrick hands to me and wants me to take over and do some different things out on the field I’m there for that. My job is to support Patrick as much as I can and ensure we’re getting the best out of the team.”

Cummins admits those things are yet to be decided.

“I think that will remain pretty fluid,” he said. “We’ll work through that. A 22C day might look differently to a 40C day. We’ll work through that. I’m totally comfortable.”

With Paine out of the series, Australia must decide between Alex Carey and Josh Inglis as his replacement — both are in the A squad in Brisbane which is due to play in next week’s warm up game.

Selector George Bailey was giving nothing away about a replacement in his interview with the Cricket Et Cetera podcast earlier this week.

“The nature of Tim’s role and age it is not a conversation that hasn’t come up in the past,” he said. “Tim’s position aside, that’s the same thing we do about David Warner at the age he is at the top of the order or the three fast bowlers we’ve been reliant on.

“Nathan Lyon has been a constant conversation about how important he has been to the team. They’re all at an age where you have to be a little bit prepared.

“We’ve named Alex Carey in the Australia A team, but at the moment as far as batting wicketkeepers go, we are in a reasonably strong position between Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Jimmy Pierson. I watched Josh Philippe bat beautifully yesterday as well. It would be quite nice if we could play four or five wicketkeepers.”