Paine, under whose leadership Australia retained the Ashes last year, spoke about the “downward spiral” he encountered after being hit on the finger by a Dirk Nannes bouncer during an All-Stars charity game, which led to a broken right index bone that required seven surgeries.

Speaking on the Bounce Back podcast, Paine spoke about the difficult two-year phase that followed the nasty 148.2kph bouncer in Brisbane.

“I sat with her for maybe only 20 minutes that first time and I remember walking out of that room and instantly feeling better, that I had let someone in.

“And, in the end, the first step to dealing with it was admitting that I needed help. It still took six (more) months, but I remember walking out of that room and feeling instantly better. I wish I had sought help earlier.’’