Steve Smith has accepted he may never captain Australia again as he seeks to rebuild his shattered reputation in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.
Photo: Photosport NZ
Speaking on Friday for the first time since he was slapped with 12-month ban for his role in the incident at Newlands, Smith said he was content to take life one day at a time.
Smith will be allowed to return to the national set up in March ahead of the World Cup but will have to wait at least 12 months to be considered for any leadership position.
That means, barring unforeseen circumstances, Paine will remain skipper of the Test side until at least 2020.
"At the moment I'm pretty content with where I'm at, the next three months are about preparing as well as I can do be a part of the World Cup and the Ashes," Smith said.
"It's too early to say to be honest (considering returning to the captaincy), I just want to get back playing and try and contribute to the team as much as I can and help out anyone who is around, Tim and (limited overs skipper Aaron Finch) Finchy as well.
"We'll see what the future holds."
Smith will take part in the Pakistani Premier League and Indian Premier League as a springboard into his return to the Australian team.
As well as expecting a hostile reception from England's Barmy Army during the World Cup and Ashes, Smith faces a battle to turn around his perception in the eyes of the Australian public.
"The majority have been really positive, the Australian public has been really kind and slightly forgiving," Smith said.
"But I still have a lot of work to do to earn back the trust and respect of the public."
- AAP