James Anderson rules out sledging in Ashes 2015

Trevor Bayliss and James Anderson in an England training session ahead of the 1^st Ashes Test

Things are getting heated up as we near Ashes 2015. English pacer James Anderson is not the kind of bloke you would associate with a perfect gentlemanly conduct. Controversy and Anderson have always walked hand in hand. At times it gives the impression that with James Anderson sledging is more of a need that a want. As he admitted himself:

"I felt that I've needed to be pumped up in the past”

Speaking further on the matter, England’s leading wicket taker believes himself to be a much more mature sportsman now and doesn’t need sleding to get him roaring.

"I've learned in the last 18 months that I don't need to be like that.”

So naturally when the 32 year admitted that he no longer needs verbal battle with the opposition to spur his performance levels there we some eye brows raised. Brad Hadin and Mitchell Johnson in particular have their doubts about the new found belief of Anderson.

Anderson has never been the most hospitable guy in the opposition. Confrontations with Ravindra Jadeja and Michael Clarke stand testimony to this act. It was natural that Brad Haddin decided to reply in a not so kind manner. As he was quoted saying that the Lancashire bowler should have a "better look at himself in the mirror."

Anderson decided to voice his opinion on the said remark and wrote in The Sun:

“The response from Haddin and Johnson was that I should look in the mirror because I've started plenty of confrontations. Well I'm not saying I didn't. What I am saying is that it's not something I rely on any more. We are not going to seek out trouble, go looking for fights or start sledging."

Speaking to BBC Sports, the pacer said that:

"I don't predict anything that's not happened in an Ashes game before. I can't imagine there will be too many shocks.The biggest thing for us is that we concentrate on our skills and delivering them as best we can. Anything else that goes on out in the field is irrelevant."

Australian batsman Adam Voges, who is slated to debut his Ashes career, seconds the notions of not starting a verbal confrontation; but like a typical Aussie he is not shy of giving the opposition a mouthful if they decide to come hard at him.

“I don't walk on to a cricket field premeditating to sledge anyone. I will back my team-mates 100%. However that may be, they will have my full support.”

With hardly any time left for Ashes 2015 to kick off, it remains to be seen if the mentioned players stick to their words. Things tend to get ugly in the heat of the moment but the quality of cricket on display is what keeps the audiences glued to their screens. Hoping for a action packed Ashes 2015.