Legendary cricketer Adam Gilchrist has proposed Steve Smith or Pat Cummins’ name for Australian Test captaincy but insists the job is still Tim Paine's while the wicketkeeper is in the playing XI.

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Addressing the press conference ahead of the first Test against Pakistan last month, the 35-year-old Paine had hinted that this summer could be his last in the Test team.

"I think they've got a couple of options in Smith or Cummins should Paine pull out or they don't feel he's the right man to be in the team anymore," Gilchrist quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"Pat's come out and said he's feeling comfortable now should they call on him.

"I honestly don't know if it would be good or bad thing for Smithy.

"If he wants to do it and they feel he's right to do it maybe that would be the right move for the team."

Commenting on Paine, Gilchrist said: "I reckon while ever (Paine) is in the team he should be captain. And then let's see after these three Tests, see how he feels at the end of this summer. I feel it was more of a light-hearted comment when he said it might be his last summer.”

Last week, Cummins had said it would be an honour to lead the Test side and he might not be able to say no if offered the top job.

But the right-arm pacer was quick to admit that he would not be the finished product and would rely on the experienced players around him while performing the role.

Gilchrist wants Paine’s successor to be one figurehead of the team and dismissed the idea of co-captains.

"I wouldn't be big on co-captains," he said. "To an extent there is co-captains.

"Smithy is a co-captain now, no drama with him contributing to conversation in the changerooms or out on the field.

"Someone at the end of the day has to be responsible.

"From the teams I've played in you like that as a team, you like to know there is someone who will be accountable if it goes wrong, in charge and giving a sense of direction.

"Everyone contributes to what that direction might be. Someone literally has to keep steering it that way."

(Inputs from cricket.com.au)