Smith surprised by Clarke reprimand
Australia all-rounder Steve Smith has revealed he was surprised to find himself on the receiving end of a reprimand from skipper Michael Clarke while playing against Pakistan, saying he wasn't being overly chatty.
Clarke told Smith to stop his friendly chatter with batsman Azhar Ali, but Smith says he wasn't being nice, but was actually trying to get under the batsman's skin while still wearing an innocent smile.
A baffled Smith said: "I was actually getting into him. So it (the spray from Clarke) wasn't what I expected, but that happens I guess.
"We like to play good, hard, tough, aggressive cricket when we're out in the field. That's the way we like to play, so we'll continue to do that."
As for his batting position, there have been many calls for Smith to bat up the order at three in Tests, but Clarke labelled such a move a 'fantasy' during the Pakistan series, and Smith has accepted that.
He said: "I am happy at the moment wherever I am batting to be honest. That's up to Michael and the coaching staff I guess.
"For me, it's about batting wherever I am told and trying to get as many runs and win games for Australia as I can."
As for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, Smith said they would be looking to find a definite line up for the World Cup, and that competition for places would be high.
He added: "I think they are trying to get the team that they will be playing in the World Cup and there's not too many games before then.
"There's plenty of work to do and all of the boys are trying to get a spot in the team."
Latest
-
NewsDavid Bedingham ton puts Durham on top against Worcestershire
Dan Ibrahim is one of only two 16-year-old’s to score a half-century in the Championship.
-
NewsBlack Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen enjoying Root-De Grandhomme battle
De Grandhomme claimed the crucial wicket of Root in the 2019 World Cup final.
-
NewsReece Topley could miss large chunk of England’s summer limited-overs schedule
The left-arm seamer injured his right side playing for Surrey’s second team.
-
NewsWeather thwarts England and New Zealand on day three at Lord’s
Providing the conditions are dry, play will get under way on Saturday at the usual time of 11am, with 98 overs set to be bowled.
-
NewsRain thwarts England as no play possible before tea on the third day at Lord’s
The home side were waiting to resume on 111 for two in reply to New Zealand’s 378.
-
NewsRain holds up England’s reply in opening Test against New Zealand
When play does get under way, the hosts will resume on 111 for two.
-
NewsBen Brown century rescues Sussex against Yorkshire
Ben Brown, Lewis Gregory, Marcus Harris and Emilio Gay all hit centuries on Thursday.
-
NewsDouble century debut delight for Devon Conway as England fight back at Lord’s
Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson starred with the ball as the home side responded on day two.
-
NewsOllie Robinson praised for resilience after bouncing back on day two of Test
The England seamer faces an investigation over his historical tweets of a racist and sexist nature.
-
NewsDevon Conway hits double century but bowlers bring England back into first Test
The New Zealand batsman marked his debut by scoring 200 as the tourists made 378 at Lord’s.