Peter Siddle plays down Ashes sledging

Steve Barrett

Peter Siddle plays down Ashes sledging image

With England obdurately digging their heels in to reach 6-247 in their second innings and force the contest into a fifth day, tempers frayed during and after Mitchell Johnson's final over of the day.

MORE: Joe Root enjoying Ashes battle | Second Ashes Test: England 6-247 at stumps

The Aussie left-arm quick exchanged words with both men, while Australia captain Michael Clarke, who was fined for his sledge against England tail-ender Jimmy Anderson during the first Test at the Gabba, stood in Prior's crease and offered the England keeper some advice.

The stoush didn't end there with Johnson and Broad then continuing their long conversation as the players retreated back to their respective rooms.

Siddle dispels the notion that any lines have been crossed as well as the growing feeling that perhaps familiarity is beginning to breed contempt between the two sides, who by the end of the series will have played each other for 10 straight Tests inside six months.

"Pup (Clarke) walked in to have a look at the light and Broady was asking Mitch where to go for dinner tonight," Siddle said with tongue-in-cheek.

"There wasn't a lot to it. It's no more than we've ever seen in the history of cricket.

"You (media) can say what you want, but being out there, there's not much being said at all.

"It's been a long day, it's been a tough day and Mitch was just trying to get the job done.

"I've played 48 Tests and I don't think it (sledging) has been any different with who we've played, whether you're winning or losing.

"It's just part of the game."

Nothing needed to be said by Siddle, who snared 2-21, when he dismissed England master blaster Kevin Pietersen, chopping on for 53, for the ninth time in Tests.

Siddle knows he is a good chance of being thrown the ball by Clarke when Pietersen struts to the crease, and historically is just as good a chance of sending the star batsman packing.

"I just love the challenge of bowling against a player of his experience and talent," Siddle said.

"He's been a star player in Test cricket so I enjoy it.

"I try and keep it patient and bowl in the right areas.

"Pup's always told us to be ready for certain players ... he's got ideas of who we want to bowl to.

"You know you do bowl better against some players."

Siddle is equally thrilled with the way the Australian bowlers have significantly reduced the impact of Alastair Cook across back-to-back Ashes campaigns.

Virtually immovable in England's 3-1 Ashes triumph in 2010-11 with 766 runs at 127.67, Cook has averaged 25.64 across all Tests against Australia this year, including twin failures of three and one here, a clear reward for diligent planning.

"It's nice to see the plans we put out are working," Siddle said.

"We've spoken a lot about him (Cook) being one of the players who we do want to target.

"He's the captain, he comes in at the top and we want to put the put the pressure on him from the word go."

Steve Barrett