Joe Root insists he won't be distracted by Australian tactics

Joe Root admits things can get 'spicy' when England face Australia but does not intend to let anything distract from the opportunity at hand in this week's World Cup semi-final.

With the Ashes just a few weeks away, the old rivals come face to face in another high-stakes clash at Edgbaston on Thursday, with a place in the Lord's showpiece up for grabs.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has already kicked off the traditional psychological battle, suggesting 'it's their World Cup to lose' and nominating the hosts as firm favourites, but that cuts little ice with Root.

'Nathan has a lot to say, a lot of the time, so you just take it with a pinch of salt,' he said.

'It might be a way of taking pressure of himself and his team. I try not to get too involved to be honest. 

'I think there have been times within games when it has got a bit spicy and there have been a few exchanges on the field, but generally we will go about things in our own way and just get ourselves ready as best we can.'

While Australia are reigning champions and on the prowl for a sixth World Cup trophy, England have yet to lift it and last reached the final four in 1992.

The balance of power between the sides is hard to read though, with England winning 10 of the last 12 one-day internationals, while one of their defeats came at Lord's in the group stage.

'There has been a lot made of the fear factor of playing against Australia, but I think this group of players over the last four years, their experiences against Australia are very positive,' said Root.

'They have got a lot of success in the bank. We will be drawing on that confidence that over a long period of time now we have been successful against Australia and we should take that into Thursday.

'It's a great chance and a great week, it does feel special.'

Source: Daily Mail

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