Mitch Marsh, Nathan Lyon do not mind being Tim Paine's deputy

Team Australia is going through a massive transition phase at the moment. With three of their top players out of the setup for their involvement in the ball tampering gate in South Africa, the big positions are up for grabs for the others to fill. While the batting positions is something that many can fill, the void left by the leaders is going to be tough to fill in. Amidst this backdrop, veteran cricketer Nathan Lyon and all-rounder Mitch Marsh have conceded that they do not mind taking up vice-captain’s role in the side.

The Test captain of the Australian side is already decided. It will be Tim Paine who will lead the side in the longest format of the game. When it comes to his deputy, coach Justin Langer believes Paine should have the liberty to pick one. Meanwhile, the likes of Nathan Lyon have put their hands up for the role. As per the recent quotes in cricket.com.au, Lyon remarked that he will accept the offer if given to him. Furthermore, he wants the senior players to step up.

“If they offered it to me, I wouldn’t say no. But it’s not something I’m striving for. There will be a vice-captain appointed, but I think there’ll be a good leadership group in that Test squad. Look at the bowlers, we’ve had some success together and gone through some hard times recently and that’s only going to put us in good stead moving forward,” Nathan Lyon quoted.

“Those guys and throw in Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh and Uzzie (Khawaja), the more senior players, we’re going to have to play a big role as a group to be Tim’s vice-captains,” he added.

Marsh ready to fill in too

Another player in line for the role in Mitch Marsh. The all-rounder is already being tipped as the next big thing in the Australian cricket. Marsh remarked that he is not thinking about leadership roles. However, if it comes his way, he does not mind taking up the role.

“It’s not something I am focused on solely … I want to become the best cricketer and best person I can be,” Marsh said when asked about the vice-captaincy. “If that means in time I become the Australian vice-captain, then so be it. I have grown into the role (as WA captain) but right now I feel my leadership has grown over the past 12 months,” noted Mitch Marsh.

Rebuilding phase in Australian cricket

On a different note, Nathan Lyon added that the Australiann cricket is going through a very tough phase. The rebuilding will be very vital. He also admitted that he was shocked when the ball tampering news had broke out. He, however, is optimistic about Australian team setting back things in proper position soon.

“(We have to) start to rebuild the trust and faith of the Australian public and cricket fans around the world. It’s a rebuilding phase, it’s a new era … so I think I’ve got a really big job along with the other senior players … in making sure we’re doing everything right by Cricket Australia and the Australian public and play the best possible cricket we can,” conceded the off spinner.

For the latest cricket news, follow CricTracker.