Cricket World Cup 2019: Joe Root reveals things could get ‘spicy’ in England vs Australia semi-final

Root claims Nathan Lyon is playing mind games ahead of the crunch match Edgbaston

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."