Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood have been named joint vice-captains of the Australian Test team – Hazlewood wasn’t picked for the upcoming series in the UAE against Pakistan as he recovered from an injury, so it’ll be Marsh assisting Paine in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the two games.

Reports suggest that Justin Langer, the coach of the team, took a cue from the Australian Football League and a player vote was initiated. Marsh and Hazlewood, the top picks, then made presentations to a panel.

Hazlewood, of course, will come into the picture later – for now, it’s Marsh who will be a part of the leadership group when Australia face Pakistan in Dubai (from October 7) and Abu Dhabi (from October 16).

“The biggest thing we’ve spoken about as a team right now, and I even said it in my presentation to the (panel), whether I have a title next to my name or not, it’s actually irrelevant – I want to be the best person, the best Australian cricketer and leader that I can be for this group and the whole organisation,” Marsh told cricket.com.au soon after his appointment was made public.

“That’s something we want every single cricketer to be in the Australian cricket team, hopefully I’ll be able to instil that on young guys coming through, what it is to be an Australian cricketer and what we stand for going forward. That’s my goal.”