'He was desperate to play for Australia'- Mott on how Andrew Symonds chose playing for Australia over England

Newly appointed England men's white-ball coach and Andrew Symonds' childhood friend Matthew Mott has revealed that the legendary cricketer had an opportunity to play for England, but he let go of it as representing Australia was his childhood dream.

Symonds, a crucial member of the all-conquering Australian team of early 2000s, tragically passed away earlier this month (on May 14) following a car-crash at his native place.

Speaking at the legendary Queenlander's public memorial services, Mott revealed that he had the opportunity to play for England on a 'platter' but his moral compass didn't allow him.

Due to his English heritage and passport, Symonds was offered a chance to play for the 'Three Lions' after turning heads with a record-breaking debut season in 1995, which included a whirlwind 254 for Gloucestershire.

Symonds got the offer to play for England Lions during the 'A' tour that year, but he instead chose to link up with the Australian A team a year later.

"He was certainly considering it," Mott told former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy at Symonds' public memorial services.

"It was very enticing to him; he basically had it on a platter, and of course (his parents) were from there," he added.

"But it got down to his moral compass: He was desperate to play for Australia. It was his childhood dream; it was never a monetary thing," Mott revealed.

Symonds went on to make his debut for Australia in an ODI against Pakistan in 1998 and went on to represent them in 26 Tests, 198 ODIs and 14 T20Is during the entirety of the 2000s.

The all-rounder established himself as one of the leading limited-overs cricketers of his generation, playing a stellar role in numerous heists that the Australians scripted during the 2000s.

His career ended prematurely in 2009 after he was sent back home from the T20 World Cup due to disciplinary issues.