New Aussie vice-captain Hazlewood does not have eyes on the captaincy... and says that will help the team

Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh will both assist Tim Paine after being appointed as his two deputies for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and beyond, but the fast bowler is not about to start a leadership challenge any time soon

^{Josh Hazlewood is the new joint Australia vice-captain}

New Australia vice-captain Josh Hazlewood insists he does not covet the top job currently held by Tim Paine.

Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh will both assist Paine after being appointed as his two deputies for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and beyond, but the fast bowler is not about to start a leadership challenge any time soon.

And, he claims, that can only aid Australia going forward.

"It’s probably no secret that the relationship between captain and vice-captain hasn’t been great in the last 10 or 12 years," Hazlewood said. "So I guess that promotes me to a degree.

"With no aspirations to be captain you can have a really good relationship there. Then Mitch and myself can do everything we can to make Painey’s job as easy as possible.

"Having someone as vice-captain who’s not necessarily aspiring to be captain — that’s the position I find myself in, I think. I can really contribute as a leader and as a vice-captain without pushing that next level."

Mitchell Marsh has also taken up the role

Marsh and Hazlewood replace David Warner, who was stripped of the vice-captaincy and banned for a year for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

"I think it will work well. It’s obviously a bit different but it’s modern times I guess," said Hazlewood, referring to the split role.

"Through the amount of cricket we’re going to play, and myself as a quick whether I’m missing games or resting, it’s good to have one in the team who can step up on that occasion."

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Meanwhile, Marsh spoke of his pride at being asked to step up to vice-captain.

"I want to be the best person, the best Australian cricketer and leader that I can be for this group and the whole organisation," he said.

"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."