Matt Prior has ramped up his counter-attack on Nathan Lyon, saying Australia's offspinner "embarrassed" himself and should worry about the prospect of his own career ending this summer.
Lyon fanned the flames ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane that starts on Thursday, claiming Australia want to usher some Englishmen into retirement this summer.
"Could we end some careers? I hope so," Lyon said.
"I know Joe Root got dropped last time when he was here so it would be good to get him dropped again.
"There's a lot of scars for the English guys. Especially coming over here, especially when we have two guys bowling 150kmh and not just one now."
Lyon accused some England batsmen of being frightened when facing pace ace Mitchell Johnson four years ago, saying wicketkeeper Prior wanted to fly home before the third Test of that series.
"He was one of the senior players. He was scared," Lyon quipped.
Prior, who is now retired, told reporters Lyon's comments were laughable, "completely ridiculous and ... wholeheartedly untrue".
He followed up with a fresh barrage of barbs on Tuesday afternoon (AEDT).
"I sincerely hope you're not part of a losing @CricketAus team on home soil @NathLyon421. I still remember being sat on the outfield at the SCG after winning 3-1 while your press&fans were tearing into the Oz players. You want to end careers? Just make sure its not yours that ends," Prior wrote.
"Last time someone spouted a whole load of BS about me I stayed quiet.
"There was no way I was getting on a plane home. You've embarrassed yourself @NathLyon421 & this game has a funny way of biting back."
The 2013-14 series in Australia hastened the end of Jonathan Trott, Graeme Swan and Kevin Pietersen's Test careers.
Prior and current captain Root were dropped during the series, while coach Andy Flower lost his job after the whitewash.
