England limited-overs coach Mott in Cairns with Bulls Masters to announce cup moves

Hot off being confirmed as England’s new white-ball coach, Matthew Mott joined the Bulls Masters in Cairns but was thinking about the loss of teammate Andrew Symonds.

Queensland cricket royalty – including England’s new limited-overs coach – will hope a trip to the Far North will serve as a chance to come together to remember the great Andrew ‘Roy’ Symonds.

Newly minted England white-ball coach Matthew Mott is one of many Bulls Masters legends in Cairns this week to help promote cricket in regional Queensland.

Symonds, 46, lost his life in a car accident at Hervey Range on May 14.

Mott shared in the sadness of the loss of his 1996-97 Sheffield Shield-winning teammate, but was hopeful he and his fellow cricketers would be able to remember their comrade in arms and his impact on the sport in Queensland.

Matthew Mott and Andrew Symonds with the Sheffield Shield.

“It’s been an incredibly tough time, I think we’ve all gone through different emotions at different times,” Mott said.

“I definitely think it’s going to be a great opportunity to get around some guys who are going through similar pain.”

The former first-class cricketer added he was not only devastated for the Australian cricketing community, but for Symonds’ family whom Mott shares strong connections with.

“I’ve had a lot to do with his family over the years and I know they’re hurting, but when it’s appropriate, we hope to send him off in style,” he said.

Symonds was actively involved in the Bulls Masters both during and after his playing days, giving back to many regional communities and inspiring the next generation of Bulls.

“Hopefully some good comes from this – his strong connections to the country areas, we can continue to live out his legacy like that.”

Mott will be joined by fellow Queensland-born cricket legend Ian Healy as well as Merv Hughes among others in Cairns.

During their visit, the Bulls Masters announced that the Youth Cup and Country Challenge will be moved to FNQ from Bundaberg.

“It’s just another way to show the faith in country cricket up here,” Mott said.

Former Australian women's coach Matthew Mott at the Benson Hotel in Cairns for a Bulls Masters tour of FNQ. Picture: Harry Murtough

“It’s an exciting new era for Cairns cricket.”

The Country Challenge will be held in October, before the competition returns in December for the Youth Cup.

Jimmy Maher serves as a natural talisman for the Far North’s cricket production, but Mott noted that many talented players have come from the region.

“That’s a real big part of it for us – we’re trying to spruik the message of how important country areas are for the lifeblood of Queensland cricket,” the former Australian women’s coach said.

“We’re excited to get everyone together.”

Originally published as England limited-overs coach Mott in Cairns with Bulls Masters to announce cup moves