England fast bowler Mark Wood plays down rivalry in uninspiring press conference in Perth

Mark Wood is perceived as England’s biggest weapon with the ball in the upcoming Ashes but played a straight bat when asked about his side’s reception in Australia during an uninspiring press conference in Perth.

Wood is known as the visitor’s enforcer and most experienced seamer, starting on November 21, having been the only bowler in the squad to have previously played Test cricket in Australia.

However, the man meant to intimidate the batters of Australia with his extreme pace has instead hosed down hostilities just two weeks out from the first Test at Optus Stadium.

England’s brand of cricket, dubbed “Bazball” is untested in Australian conditions but is based on fearless and often reckless cricket, however it has started without too much intent at Lilac Hill.

Wood would not buy into any of the expected back-and-forth between the two sides despite their parochial fan base known as the Barmy Army getting upset over a series of front pages from The West Australian.

“That’s part of it isn’t it? That’s all part of it. I mean I haven’t taken too much notice of the newspapers and things but the reception we’ve had in general from the Australians has been great,” Wood told reporters on Friday.

“Even out and about the hotel and in Perth, everyone’s been very friendly and everyone’s excited for the series.

“It’s a big build up, there’s huge amounts of press around it and things which makes it even more exciting. There’s a lot of English coming this time, everyone back home – I walked down the street and it seems like every man from England is coming across. I think the Barmy Army will be in full voice and right behind us.”

England fans became incensed when Wednesday’s front page labelling the polarising skipper “England’s Cocky Captain Complainer”, which made international headlines.

It led to the Barmy Army Perth Supporters co-founder James Whitehouse revealed they would target Australian star and stand-in skipper Steve Smith as part of the rivalry.

“It’s the oldest rivalry, it’s the longest running rivalry,” he told The West Australian.

“It is always full-on from both sides. We thoroughly expect to get hammered by the Aussie fans but we’ll give it back. It’s always good in nature.

“The fact that Steve Smith is captain is going to be a nice one for us because let’s face it, he’s got it coming again.”

Asked about if tensions would rise though, Wood said: “There’s always something that heats up but at the minute were fully focused on ourselves and just trying to go about our business quietly and making sure we’re ready for that game.”

England are coming off a fiery home series against India where there were plenty of tensions between the two sides.

Asked about any potential plans to target the Australians with similar aggressive sledging, Wood pleaded ignorance.

“They haven’t told me that, so I’m not in on that one,” he said.

“There was a little bit of needle in that game with things that had gone on but going into this I don’t think there’s anything being planned.

“When it’s almost forced it’s almost worse isn’t it? It doesn’t come across genuine or anything. And I’m sure that the rivalry is always there … I’ve got huge respect for Australia and what they’ve achieved. And they’re certainly hard to beat in their own conditions.”

England continued their preparations with a training session on Friday before they have a day off tomorrow.

Several stars, including batters Joe Root and Harry Brook, are set to arrive on Sunday ahead of a practice game against the English Lions next week.