There has been no shortage of barbs thrown leading into the first Ashes Test, but Australian great Ricky Ponting is not willing to get tangled up in the pre-series fire.

From the ever-polarising Stuart Broad declaring Australia is fielding there worst team in 15 years and Merv Hughes declaring the tourists won’t win a game, it’s clear the Ashes rivalry is well and truly alive.

But former captain Ponting is staying focused on the action that is soon to come, with his eyes particularly set on the capabilities of England's talented squad.

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“It happens the same way every time a series comes around," Ponting said of the ongoing war of the words when speaking on SEN.

"Some of the ex-Ashes combatants have started as well with

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