Graeme Swann's claim that Nathan Lyon is Australia's weakest link is just his way of trying to "get under Australian skin" ahead of the Ashes, according to the off-spinner.
Swann - who took 255 wickets in 60 Tests for England - spoke last week about Australia's line-up, and didn't hold back on his view's of Lyon.
"Australia have good seam bowling, aggressive batting and their spinner, although he takes wickets, is probably their weakest link. I'm not saying Nathan Lyon is a weak link, but he's probably their weakest," Swann said.
Lyon has proved his credentials at Test level by becoming Australia's most successful off-spinner in the longest form of the game against West Indies earlier this month, beating Hugh Trumble's record of 141 wickets that had stood for 111 years.
With the eagerly-awaited Ashes series set to begin in Cardiff on July 8, Lyon has brushed aside Swann's comments as little more than mind games.
@Swannyg66 the rat that abandoned the sinking ship singles out Nathan Lyon as the weakest link? Give us a spell #peaheart #TheAshes
— Sam Muggletron (@sammuggletron) June 23, 2015
"Swanny is doing his best to get under the Australian skin. I've played 41 tests now and I've always been the weak link so it doesn't worry me one bit what Swanny thinks," Lyon said.
"I think he must be worried. It's the Ashes so there's going to be sledging and people with different opinions."
One man with a different opinion to Swann is former England captain Michael Vaughan, who suggested that Lyon could be the leading wicket taker in the five-match series.
"One guy is writing me off and the other is giving me a compliment. That's very nice from Michael Vaughan," Lyon continued.
"There is a lot of cricket to play. If I end up being lead wicket taker I will be quite happy as long as we take that trophy home."
Will Nathan Lyons unveil his 'square Jeff' delivery in Aussie's first Ashes test? https://t.co/YVpSRPy2Hu http://t.co/kgbckSCYgY
— TAB Sport (@TAB_Sport) June 23, 2015
While Lyon is a near certainty to line up for Australia, spin options have proved difficult for England, with Moeen Ali struggling for form with the ball and Adil Rashid yet to have been given an opportunity at Test level.
But Lyon was in no mood to worry about England.
"I don't really care [who England choose] to be honest.
"Moeen Ali is a good cricketer but we are playing international cricket so we'll respect everyone who comes out there.
"There is not going to be an easy role for anyone out there and it is going to be a good challenge for each and every one of us."