Australian Test captain Tim Paine has revealed he had doubts over whether he really wanted to accept the captaincy of the squad.
Paine was named as the 46th captain of the Australian Test squad after former skipper Steve Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, were all handed bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering saga back in 2018.
The 35-year-old has since captained the Test side to 10 wins, six losses and three draws from 19 matches.
The wicketkeeper-batsman told 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio that now more than ever he feels comfortable with the position he has in the Australian team.
"I think I've become more comfortable in the role," Paine said.
"When I first got it (Test captaincy), it was a huge shock to the system. Not long before that I was shocked to be back in the team.
"Then three or four months later, to be the Test captain was a huge shock. When you're put into that position it's only natural to doubt yourself a little bit.
"I think I've grown into the job. I now thoroughly enjoy the job."
He then revealed he had doubts over whether the Test captaincy was something he really wanted to do when he first took on the responsibilities.
"I've just tried to be myself as much as I can," he added.
"I think that was the main thing I wanted to when I did have moments when I first took the job – like do I really want to do this?"
"I think I promised myself I would be myself and if I did a good job then great and then if it didn't work out then great, as long as I can be true to myself.
"I'm always evolving tactically and learning how to captain Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, field placements, relationships with players – there's so much to it.
"For me it's about evolving, getting better and being myself."
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