Spinner Nathan Lyon has called for Tim Paine to retain his spot in Australia's side after the Tasmanian resigned as captain over inappropriate behaviour.
The 36-year-old married father-of-two stepped down just weeks before the first Test against England after is was revealed he sent explicit messages to a female Cricket Tasmania colleague back in 2017.
Lyon, who has formed a strong partnership with the gloveman appointed to lead his country following the cheating scandal in 2018, told reporters on Thursday that Paine should still be selected behind the stumps.
Nathan Lyon (right) insists Tim Paine (left) must keep his spot in Australia's side for the Ashes
Spinner Lyon (pictured) described Paine as the 'best wicketkeeper in the world' and believes he should play in the Ashes despite resigning as captain following his sexting scandal
'The selectors said they were going to pick the best available XI. In my eyes, Tim Paine is the best keeper in the world,' Lyon said.
'This is very selfish: From a bowler's point of view I want the best gloveman behind the stumps.
'Every bowler's relationship with the keeper is exceptional.'
The New South Wales product said Paine was a 'very lovable guy and very well respected', indicating the former captain has the team's backing to take on England when the series begins in Brisbane.
Lyon said: 'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking on behalf of every bowler that we want the best keeper.
Paine has been backed by his team-mates to feature in the Ashes despite the scandal
'He's got my full support and I 100 per cent guarantee he's got the full support of the Australian change room,' the 34-year-old added.
Lyon's fellow Australia team-mate Marcus Harris has also backed Paine following the scandal, echoing Lyon's point that he should make the Australia team for the opening Test at Brisbane on December 8 on the strength of his wicketkeeping abilities alone.
'Yes, absolutely. He's done a really good job in the last few years under tough circumstances, and I think you can still probably argue that he's the best gloveman in the country,' Harris said.
'I know he's got the support of all the players. Obviously Painey is a very popular member of the group, and he was as skipper as well.
Opener Marcus Harris has backed Paine to be selected for the upcoming Ashes series
Paine has issued a public and emotional apology to his wife Bonnie after his sexting scandal
'So we're looking forward to him getting up here in the next week or so and getting on with cricket.'
Harris added that most of the Australia team have contacted Paine in the wake of the scandal, having only been informed half an hour before it broke last week.
However, it will fall to the selectors to decide whether Paine maintains his place in Australia's Ashes squad or whether he is cut loose.
