Paine was made captain after Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all suspended by Cricket Australia for their involvement in the ball-tampering incident that engulfed Australia in March.

Smith and Warner both incurred 12-month bans, and their absence has been greatly felt, particularly since they were captain and vice-captain respectively.

Australia have lost all their six matches – one Test and five ODIs – under Paine’s captaincy so far. Moreover, Paine hasn’t had the best returns with the bat. He scored 62 in his first Test innings as captain, but has endured multiple failures after that.

“If you’re an Australian cricketer at the moment, you’re so close to playing cricket for Australia. The start of the domestic season is so important because you could find yourself playing for Australia.”

Given the current troubles with their batting, Warne said Australia were ‘desperate’ to welcome Smith and Warner back into the side after they complete their suspensions.

“I still think they’ll be back, we need them, we’re desperate for them,” he said. “Have a look at the Australian side at the moment, we’re lacking in batting so we desperately need them.

“We sort of want to rush them back but they’ll do their time, they’ll pay their penance, their 12 months, and then they’ll be back and be better than ever.”