Perth: England are steeled for a sledging war in the Ashes series with suspended Ben Stokes the expected focus of Australia’s barbs, captain Joe Root said on the team’s arrival here on Sunday.

 “Potentially they might (sledge us about Stokes),” Root told reporters.

“But Ashes cricket — there’s always an edge of psychological banter. Once you’ve played in a few, you sort of know what to expect and you know how it goes leading up to the games. I’m sure there will be plenty of banter flying around on and off the field.”