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ENGLAND captain Joe Root says his team are bracing for a psychological sledging war during the upcoming Ashes series and he knows the Ben Stokes matter could be at the top of Australia’s hit list.
Stokes was a notable absentee when England’s Test squad touched down in Perth on Sunday.
The 26-year-old was arrested last month on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm following a violent incident outside a Bristol nightclub.
Stokes was released without charge, but is still under police investigation.
The 39-Test veteran was suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board following the brawl, and faces an uphill battle to be given the green light to join the rest of his teammates in time for the first Ashes Test which starts in Brisbane on November 23.
However, his case for selection was given a boost in recent days when two gay men came forward claiming Stokes was actually defending them from homophobic abuse during the incident.
The controversy surrounding Stokes has given Australia plenty of sledging material to work with admittedly.
Australia opener David Warner has already vowed to unleash his trademark on-field aggression this summer calling on the umpires to turn a blind eye to the sledging.
Root feels his team are in a good space to deal with any heat that comes their way.
“Potentially they might (sledge us about Stokes),” Root said.
“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.
“That’s something you’ve got to cherish and relish and be able to look back on at the end of your career and say, ‘I gave it my best shot, and I enjoyed it’.”
Former Australia Test captain Steve Waugh is among many high-profile cricket experts who believe England can’t retain the Ashes without Stokes.
Stokes has been labelled a “hero” by the two gay men he stood up for and Root hopes the latest developments could help his friend’s chances of being selected for the Ashes.
“Hopefully it can be good news for Ben. As a friend, I hope it is,” Root said.
“But in terms of the reality of it all... we’ve got to plan as if he’s not going to be here and give ourselves the best chance.”
England will begin their Ashes preparations with a two-day tour match against a Western Australia XI side at the WACA Ground, starting on Saturday.
They then take on a Cricket Australia XI side in Adelaide (November 8-11) and Townsville (November 15-18) before the first Test at the Gabba.