IANS

Sydney, June 12: Former Australian opener Michael Slater feels troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds has lost his spark to play for the national team and is driven by big bucks.

In fact, the former Ashes hero believes Symonds won't play again for Australia and will be looking at options overseas. Symonds has a year to run on his contract with the Indian Premier League (IPL) worth about $2million.

"There is no doubt in my mind he was rushed back into the national side way too soon and frankly, he seems to be interested only in the money and not representing Australia," s the Daily Telegraph quoted Slater as saying.

"He earns big bucks in the IPL and now he'll look at where the money is on offer elsewhere. Certainly playing for his country is way down the priority list," Slater maintained.

Slater also claimed Symonds' axing from the Twenty20 squad put undue pressure on the team. Symonds was sent home last week from England for another alcohol-related incident in London.

Symonds contract with Cricket Australia expires at the end of the month and he won't be offered a new deal.