England skipper Ben Stokes has issued sledging warning to the Indian team ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, asserting that his side will not a backward step if confronted by the opposition players.

Apart from the fierce contest between bat and ball, the first three Tests of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy have also produced heated exchanges involving the English players and their India counterparts.

"I don't think it's one of those things where we're going to necessarily just go out and start at (sledging). I don't think either team's really looked to do that. I think there's always going to be a moment in a Test series where something does heat up. It's a massive series and there's a lot of pressure on both teams to perform," Stokes told reporters in Manchester.

However, the ace all-rounder made it clear the aggression from the rival camp will not be taken lightly.

"As I said, it's not something that we're going to purposely go out and look to start because then that will take our focus off what we actually need to do out in the middle. But by no means, we're not going to take a backward step and let any opposition try to be confrontational towards us."

"And not try to give a bit back. I think that goes for most teams, to be honest anyway. So, it's not like we're the only team who does that. But the series has been great to play. It has been great to watch. All five days, all three Tests so far. Quality of cricket has been outstanding," he added.

Tempers flared at Lord’s as India skipper Shubman Gill confronted England opener Zak Crawley for his time-wasting tactics in the final moments of third day’s play.

Reflecting on whole episode, Stokes said, "Obviously, that night (at the Lord's) when Zak and Ben had to go out just started it off. We had the advantage of bowling last in the Test match to win. We just threw everything that we possibly could at India, not only with our skills, but also with their energy in the field as well."

Mohammed Siraj giving a fiery sendoff to Ben Duckett was another talking point from the Lord’s Test as the Indian pacer was fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for his act.

Stokes admitted that the aggression from the Indian players added some adrenalin into his side.

"Harry Brooks said, Brendan McCullum said, you guys have been too nice. Do you agree? Yeah, I think potentially. I guess it was a really nice moment, I think, as a team when you speak about something like that and everyone buys into that (replying to aggressive tactics by the opposition)," he remarked.

While India are in a must-win situation, England are in the driver's seat having taken the series lead at Lord's, and they will be keen to claim an unassailable lead in Manchester.

"Good win for us at Lord's. Nice break. Hope we continue the momentum and put in the same effort and energy," Stokes said.

(With PTI Inputs)