England bowler James Anderson has insisted that he has "no problem" with Australia's intense sledging in the first Ashes Test as he believes it is a skill.
Home captain Michael Clarke was fined 20% of his match fee after telling Anderson to prepare to have his arm broken by Aussie paceman Mitchell Johnson.
Australia opening batsman David Warner has been criticised for his public slating of England and Jonathan Trott, who has since flown home with a stress-related illness.
However, Anderson, who recorded match figures of 2-140 in the 381-run defeat at Brisbane, has claimed that sledging is a tool that he has used to help him become one of England's greatest ever bowlers.
He wrote in his Mail on Sunday column: "It heightens my concentration. Certainly in the past few years I've developed it as a skill and it has helped me take the wickets I have.
"I have absolutely no problem about any of what the Australians were doing on the field, I probably dish it out more than most in the field, so I generally get it back more than most. I expect it and accept it."
Anderson has taken 331 Test wickets, second only to Ian Botham in England's all-time standings.
Joe Fish
