Being considered as a potential England captain is "one of the biggest compliments you can get", says off-spinner Charlie Dean.

Dean, 24, is in the frame for the vacant England women's captaincy position after Heather Knight's sacking last week.

Jon Lewis was also removed from his role as head coach in the aftermath of England's humiliating Women's Ashes earlier this year, when Australia took a historic 16-0 clean sweep.

Former England players Lydia Greenway and Alex Hartley both named Dean as a captaincy contender and backed ex-skipper Charlotte Edwards to be coach.

"I've had no real conversations about it," Dean told BBC Sport.

"Leadership is something I'm growing into - I wouldn't say no, but whether now is the right time, I'm not sure.

"It's one of the biggest compliments you can get, being held in that regard. But it's about getting a bit more experience in those positions so that if you do get asked, you can give 100% to it."

Dean, who made her England debut in 2021, said she is trying to avoid "outside noise" regarding the captaincy as she prepares for her first season with Somerset as part of the new women's domestic system, which sees eight counties aligned with the men's first-class teams.

She added the month in Australia was "brutal" but she is looking forward to the beginning of a new era.

The disappointment in Australia transcended England's results alone, with the team's attitude and image questioned.

Knight and Lewis were criticised for repeatedly saying the team was close to beating Australia, Lewis made headlines for his comments claiming the Australian climate contributed to their superior athleticism and Sophie Ecclestone, the world's best bowler, refused an interview with former team-mate Hartley.

Dean acknowledged the criticism, adding the players will learn from the increased attention the series gained.

"We do pride ourselves on making sure we always go about things in the right way, but there were some pitfalls out there," she said.

"We have definitely learned about how we present ourselves. I don't doubt we all give absolutely everything when we are on the pitch, so the fact that we weren't perceived in that way is disappointing.

"We know that eyes are on us, and that is a great thing. We want to do better for the people watching and for our fans."

Dean will be joined at Somerset by Knight, who is expected to return to the batting ranks for England as they take on West Indies and India in white-ball series this summer, followed by the 50-over World Cup in India at the end of August.

She said Knight's legacy should not be defined by the recent disappointments of the team.

"Heather has fought so much for us in terms of what we've got in the women's game now," said Dean.

"Maybe we let her down with our past performances, but that doesn't take away from everything she's put into the role and she's someone I admire greatly. I'm very glad she'll still be around."

Dean's move to Somerset is the first time she has played away from Hampshire and Southern Vipers, where she was coached by Edwards, who she describes as "one of the best coaches in the country".

"The way she inspires greatness and interacts with her players is second to none, there is a reason why her name is being mentioned so much," said Dean.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not confirmed a timeframe for when Lewis' successor will be appointed. It is also not giving any details on the recruitment process for the new head coach, including whether or not the Rooney Rule will be applied.

In 2022, the ECB pledged to adopt the Rooney Rule in the recruitment of all head coach positions.

It means that at least one applicant from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds will be interviewed for jobs.