Ex-England international Kevin Pietersen has claimed that sledging is "good for the game" ahead of the Ashes series this summer.
Recent series between Australia and England have been full of verbal abuse from both sides, and Pietersen believes that it is an important part of the sport.
He wrote in The Telegraph: "The Ashes is sporting war and sledging is good for the game. I want more of it and I want there to be fire in the series. I do not want to see people laughing and joking with each other.
"It is Ashes cricket. You do not test people mentally by smiling at the opposition on the field. Do not cross the line or be personal. But stand up and take them on."
England are bidding to reclaim the urn, which they lost in Australia last year.
