Victorian fast bowler called time on his international career on Sunday after being unable to break back into Australia's formidable pace cartel.

But the plaudits for the popular 35-year-old have come in from everywhere, with Paine leading the tributes.

The wicketkeeper says becoming captain in the wake of last year's Cape Town ball-tampering scandal would have been more difficult without Siddle's support and guidance.

Tasmanian Paine had only re-entered the Australian set-up four months earlier following a seven-year absence when he replaced Steve Smith as skipper.

"He's one of the best team men we've ever had," Paine said.

"He's had a phenomenal career. I've been really lucky the last 18 months to have his support in the time that we went through.

"(Siddle) has been a real sounding board, he's an experienced man."

Paine says Siddle has left such an impact on the Australian team that his work ethic and love for cricket would be modelled for years to come.

The Traralgon-born quick played 67 Tests for 221 wickets from 2008 until September's fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval in September.

"I just think he played the game of cricket the way it's meant to be played," Paine said.

"We spoke to our boys this morning about carrying on his legacy - just how much he loved playing for his country, how much it meant to him.

"He was just a legend of a man to have in your cricket team."

Australian Associated Press