Steve Smith says was 'unsettling' Ali when Clarke 'sprayed' him for being too friendly

Australian all-rounder Steve Smith has protested that he was trying to unsettle Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali when he copped a rocket from his skipper Michael Clarke for being too friendly in the recent Test series.

Smith admitted he was surprised as anyone when he was told to zip it by Clarke after being seen talking to Ali at the non-striker's end during the opening day of the second Test.

However, Smith revealed on Monday that he was actually trying to unsettle Ali rather than have a friendly chat with the batsman, News.com.au reported.

Smith revealed that he was actually getting into Ali, so he added that the spray from Clarke wasn't what he expected, but admitted that that happens.

The all-rounder said that they like to play good, hard, tough, aggressive cricket when they are out in the field, and that is the way they like to play, so they would continue to do that.

Smith was a rare shining light for Australia during the 2-0 series loss, with the 25-year-old scoring two half-centuries, including 97 in the second Test.

The part-time spinner would be back in action this Friday when he lines up for Australia in the opening one-day clash with South Africa at the WACA Ground, the report added.