Smith rejected England

Australia batsman Steven Smith revealed English county side Surrey once tried to push him into the country's national set-up by virtue of his mother's British heritage.

Though born in Sydney, Smith played club cricket in Kent. Throwing his lot in with England would have been a formality due to his blood-line, but Smith said he had no regrets about opting for Australia.

"I played a little bit of club cricket at Sevenoaks Vine [in Kent]. It was really enjoyable and I think it helped my game in the long run as well," Smith told reporters.

"I ended up playing a little bit of cricket at Surrey and I think they may have been trying to get me along to the England camp but I think I made a wise decision to play back home."