The Ashes is looming and the traditional sledging war has begun in earnest.

English Skipper, Andrew Strauss, has ordered his players not to be too friendly with the opposition, until the competition is over.

Ellen-Maree Elliot reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

The Australian Cricket Team took over historic Big Ben yesterday, to send the English a very clear message.

Strauss was unfazed by the projection.

Andrew Strauss, English Team Captain: “I didn’t see it myself. I think it is the fun and games of the Ashes. That’s the great thing about this Ashes series.”

With the English team due to arrive in Perth tomorrow star batsman Kevin Pietersen has struck back at claims he’s “a weak link”.

Former Australian Coach, John Buchanan, described Pietersen as “a nobody”.

Kevin Pietersen, English Cricketer: “He had a great team to play with. He had the best team that’s probably every played the game of cricket to coach. Well done. You could have coached that team.”

He says he’s looking forward to setting his performance record straight this Ashes Series.

Meanwhile, Samantha Stosur has become the first Australian woman in nearly three decades to make it to the semi-finals of the WTA Championship.

Despite being beaten 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 by Russian Elena Dementieva.

Her first set win was enough to get her to the semis.

Ellen-Maree Elliot, QUT News.