Tim Paine says his Australian team has a laser-like focus on the new world Test championship, suggesting he is keen to remain captain at least until mid-way through 2021.

The International Cricket Council has two rankings systems in Test cricket, one being the "old-school" rankings where the top team is presented with a mace, the other the standings in the new Test championship which began during this year's Ashes tour.

Australia sit second in the Test championship behind India, but New Zealand is second on the older version, with Australia fifth but with the opportunity of vaulting into second spot should they claim a 2-0 or 3-0 series victory over the Black Caps.

Paine, 35, revealed he and national selectors Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer had outlined their plans for the year ahead, including the Test tour of Bangladesh in June and next summer's home showdown against India. Then comes a Test tour of South Africa. The big carrot of a possible Test championship final at Lord's in 2021, almost certainly against India, awaits not long after.