Ashes 2017-18: Five major factors that could decide the third Test

#1 Verbal exchanges

England have been drawn into a battle of words and it has prevented them from focussing on the important things

In the build-up to the Ashes and also during the series itself, there has been no shortage of strong words exchanged between players of both camps. While it is second nature to the Aussies, England are finding it difficult to cope with the constant sledging and are, in fact, playing right into the hands of the home side.

In Adelaide, James Anderson felt that his team got into the head of Steven Smith when he was batting, however, the Aussie skipper waved it off, instead saying that it fired him up.

Even before the series got underway, England were in strife following all-rounder Ben Stokes' suspension. To make matters worse, since the first Test at the Gabba, Australia have targetted Jonny Bairstow regarding the "headbutt" incident. The war of words has so far prevented Root's men from concentrating on their main job: to score runs and get wickets.

Will England continue to get involved in verbal exchanges or will they focus on what's necessary and let the bat and ball do the talking? Only time will tell.