Nathan Lyon has offered himself to be available to the role of Test vice-captain as the Australian cricket team look to write a new chapter under Tim Paine. 

The likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh were also being considered for the role but it was Lyon who seems to be the final choice. Fast bowler Pat Cummins effectively ruled himself out of the role last month, telling cricket.com.au there are "better options" than him to be Paine's deputy while all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been endorsed by former Test and ODI deputy Adam Gilchrist.

Lyon says fellow bowlers Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are among those who need to take on extra responsibility, regardless of who gets the job.

"If they offered it to me, I wouldn't say no," Lyon told cricket.com.au. "But it's not something I'm striving for.

"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. 

"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."

Lyon's leadership qualities were strongly endorsed by Mike Hussey back in 2013 when, upon his retirement, the Test legend handed Lyon the responsibility of singing the Australian team's song.

"I picked Nathan because I think he is a man of great character, he plays the game for the right reasons," Hussey said at the time.

"I think he understands and respects the fabric of the Baggy Green cap, and that’s what I want to come through from him when he leads the team songs in the future."

The off-spinner said Smith and Warner will leave "massive holes" in the side as those left behind look to rebuild under new coach Justin Langer.