Geez, I just played cricket because I loved the game. I never thought about it much, never really had any formal coaching.

Money does not motivate me as long as I can provide for my children.

I'd like to try to inspire the youth, that's obviously where our future is and the kids are the ones you can mould and you can give them ideas and opportunities and I'd like to try to inspire all the young kids because I had a dream when I was young, that was to play for Australia.

I suppose, because I am a sportsman and travel all over Australia, I see every day Australians doing small and large and often unnoticed deeds; many times I thought how nice it would be for them to be recognised, so I hope somehow that in receiving this honour that I represent these people.

Rahul is the kind of person who young cricketers can look up to; not only because of his success but also because of the way he conducts himself.

It doesn't matter how pretty you look it's how many runs you get.

To me, being Australian is about looking after your mates, taking care of the less fortunate, supporting the underdog and enhancing the spirit that makes all Australians unique.