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Paine addresses ODI captaincy vacancy

Tasmanian confirms he's captain for Tests only, new limited-overs skipper to be named ahead of UK tour

The identity of Australia's new limited overs captain is set to be revealed next month, with Test skipper Tim Paine re-iterating that he's been named captain of the Test side only.

The suspension of Steve Smith in South Africa last month required an immediate change of Test leadership and Paine was named Australia's 46th Test skipper for the rest of that series and beyond.

But Smith's replacement as ODI and T20 captain remains unclear and is set to be ratified by Cricket Australia’s Board ahead of Australia's limited-overs tour of the UK in June.

"(I'm) just the Test captain at this stage," Paine said on Thursday.

"There's a one-day team that will be announced in the next two or three weeks and I'm sure those discussions are going on behind closed doors."

Opener Aaron Finch, a former national T20 captain, looms as the best-qualified player to take over the one-day and T20 sides ahead of their World Cup defence in the UK next year and the World T20 in Australia in 2020.

Selectors could yet opt for Paine as captain in the short formats as well, but his position in both limited overs sides is far from secure and the burden of Test captaincy may be considered enough responsibility for a man who has only just returned to the international fold.

The recent addition of young South Australian Alex Carey to the list of a nationally contracted players indicates he's in the running to be Australia's one-day and T20 wicketkeeper going forward.

Aussie T20 squad sizzle reel: Alex Carey

Paine returned to the one-day side in January and played four games against England, his first taste of ODI cricket in almost seven years. Carey played one match in that series, filling in when Paine was ill, and impressed in the subsequent T20 tri-series against England and New Zealand.

Speaking to cricket.com.au last week, Finch said he'd jump at the chance to take over the captaincy.

"I'd definitely put my hand up for it but I haven't thought about it to be honest," he said.

"It's obviously a really difficult time and some changes are going to be made in the next couple of months with the England ODIs and the Dubai Tests (against Pakistan later this year).

"If the opportunity came up I'd love to take it but it's not something that I've thought about."

Veterans George Bailey and Cameron White, both former national captains, could be considered for Bob Simpson-like returns as skipper if selectors decide a more experienced head is required to lead the side.

ODI regulars Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both captain their state sides, but they are outside chances for the top job.

While Smith remained the official T20 captain until he was suspended, he hadn't led the side since the 2016 World T20, with David Warner and Finch filling the role in that time. With Warner also suspended for 12 months and banned from ever being considered for a leadership position again, Finch looms as the logical man to lead the T20 side full-time.

The first of five ODIs against England is at The Oval on June 13 before a one-off T20 at Edgbaston on June 27.

Qantas ODI Tour of England

June 7 Warm-up v Sussex, Hove (D/N)

June 9 Warm-up v Middlesex, Lord's

June 13 First ODI, The Oval (D/N)

June 16 Second ODI, Cardiff

June 19 Third ODI, Trent Bridge (D/N)

June 21 Fourth ODI, Durham (D/N)

June 24 Fifth ODI, Old Trafford

June 27 Only T20, Edgbaston (D/N)