Former England opener Marcus Trescothick has branded David Warner "pathetic", opining that the vice-captain risks distracting Australia if he is outspoken this summer.
Warner has recently outlined his plans to be aggressive and antagonistic during the Ashes, notably calling on teammates to find their inner "hatred" of the opposition.
"As soon as you step on that line it's war," Warner said on the weekend.
The comments have been widely derided in England, with 2005 Ashes winner Trescothick far from impressed.
"It's pathetic," he told the BBC.
"To come out with those sort of comments is not needed.
"There's always the hype that comes around before the Ashes, so I don't think it's something the (English) players will be drawn into.
"I think it will just be a good distraction, hopefully, for Australia and they can get caught up in the war of words."
Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh was less outraged by Warner, but admitted he never felt a hatred of England at any point in his 168-Test career.
"There's nothing wrong with that bit of byplay before the series starts. It gets everybody interested," Waugh told AAP.
"I'm sure Dave can handle making those comments himself. As long as he can back them up, which I'm sure he will.
"Everyone knows you want to beat England but it can't be a driving force to how you play. You have to concentrate on what you're doing."
Warner later called for umpires to adopt a less strict approach to scraps and sledging during the five-Test series, saying it's what fans want to see.
"I would like to see it like a bit of State of Origin. Let things just flow on and you deal with everything afterwards," the opener said.
"Let a couple of penalties go and get on with it."
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