Steve Smith insists he won't be deciding Australia's Ashes selection conundrums, rubbishing the notion as "absolute garbage".
Smith has recently come under fire for making so-called captain's calls regarding his XI.
Critics suggest the fresh-faced skipper wields too much influence, pointing to Nic Maddinson's Test debut last year plus NSW's recent decision to play Daniel Hughes ahead of Ed Cowan.
"All this rubbish about me picking my mates is absolute garbage. I certainly don't agree with that," Smith told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
"People can say what they like. I'll read it. It doesn't bother me and I just get on with it.
"I'm not a selector but I certainly speak to the selectors a lot and express my views."
Former quicks Rodney Hogg and Brett Geeves, who both played for Australia, and Darren Berry, who featured in 153 first-class games, are among those to have questioned Smith's clout.
Establishing who should hold the power to make and break careers has been a long-running issue for Cricket Australia (CA).
One of the the 2011 Argus review recommendations was for the captain to formally become a selector. Michael Clarke was bestowed that responsibility until 2013, when coach Mickey Arthur's sacking prompted a rethink.
CA rejigged its selection panel earlier this year but left Smith out of it.
It means he will only be advising Trevor Hohns and co, who have made it clear they face two difficult dilemmas ahead of the five-Test series against England that starts in Brisbane on November 23.
Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, whose combative approach and tactical nous is highly rated by Smith, is under immense pressure to retain his spot because of a lack of runs.
The No.6 spot in the batting order also remains up for grabs, with Smith noting "nobody really stood up" in the day-night Sheffield Shield opener.
There is also rising speculation regarding opener Matthew Renshaw's place in the team.
"I'm not sure ... hopefully he spends some good time in the middle and gets himself a big score," Smith said, when asked if Renshaw was under pressure.
The Shield round that starts on Saturday will be players' last chance to impress before selectors pencil in their XI for the Gabba.
Smith acknowledged the heat was on Wade, who has averaged 20 with the bat in Tests since being recalled at the expense of Peter Nevill last year.
"Matty brings a lot to the team. He provides some good energy, he's a good sounding board, he understands the game really well but in the end you need guys that are performing," Smith said.
"He's got another opportunity this week to come out and keep well and hopefully get some runs."
Nevill has been making all the right noises.
"I've spoken to Pete. We had a chat and I said I probably just need a little bit more from you, and I need you to drive the boys and get the boys up and about," Smith said.
"He played really well last week."
