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 Stuart Broad and Dave Warner kicking things off. There's probably more this time.
"England are talking themselves up more, they're confident coming to Australia with the group of players they've got and fair enough, this is the best team they've had probably this century.
"Their balance, experience, fast bowling attack looks well suited to conditions.
"It's such an exciting time for fans around the world."
The countdown until the first ball is bowled in the Ashes series is just over one week away, with the England and Australian teams yet to be officially locked in for the first Test.
There are some clouds lingering over players within those squads lists with the Australian opener position still undecided, while the fitness of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood remains a concern for England.
Australia had their own injury scare on Wednesday when fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was sent for scans on a hamstring issue, but he has since been cleared to play.
Sean Abbott wasn’t as lucky and has been ruled out for Perth.
England's run on this side of the world of late has not been the most favourable, with former captain Joe Root among the many to never score a century on Australian soil.
Then again, England have not been in possession of the Ashes urn since 2017.
Ponting noted that this series could be their chance to win it back.
"If you break it down, this whole Bazball phenomenon, the way they play their cricket is about Brendon (McCullum) putting a group together that can play in Australia," he added.
"I don't think it's been about anything other than winning in Australia.
"They have to turn history upside down. They only have four Test wins in Australia this century. They have a lot on the line. That's what makes this series so interesting.
"We know how England want to play, we know how Australia do play. The two different ways coming together in Perth will be unbelievable."
Aside from his excitement to see what England can bring to the table, Ponting turned his attention back to the selection headache for the green and gold selectors.
Usman Khawaja is a lock to open the batting and Ponting hopes that Jake Weatherald will be the man to face the new ball alongside him, which would mean Beau Webster would miss out on the XI.
The other option is Marnus Labuschagne opens the batting and Webster retains his spot in the middle order, with Cameron Green holding onto the No.3 role.
"We think it's not settled, we don't know what the players know – it could have been settled a long time ago," he said.
"If I was Australia, I wouldn't be saying anything either. It's become clearer to me in recent days.
“There was a lot of backing for Weatherald, they love his method and the fact that he that he scores quickly.
"His two dismissals this week was playing very aggressive shots so it looks he might have been given the role to go out and be the one to put the pressure on.
“The uncertainty is around Beau The fly in the ointment is the fact Webster got five [wickets on Monday].
“If he does miss out, he will be unlucky, but Marnus has knocked the door down."
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