England batsman Joe Root has insisted that sledging is an irrelevant part of the game ahead of the first day of The Ashes this summer.

Recent series between Australia and England have been noted for verbal abuse dished out between the two sides in the middle, which has prompted a mixed reaction from fans and former players.

However, Root thinks that it doesn't have much effect as long as players know how to handle it.

He told Sky Sports News: "I'm not sure how verbal Australia will be on the field – whether they'll come out all guns blazing or target one or two players. Time will tell and we'll handle it when we have to.

"Sledging is really quite irrelevant, to be honest. Australia have been associated with it for as long as I can remember and if that's how they want to go about their business, I've not got a problem.

"You've just got to make sure you've got something in place to combat it and make sure it doesn't affect the way that you play."

The first Test of the series starts in Cardiff today.