Steve Smith has tempered expectations of a particularly hostile Test series between Australia and South Africa, calling on his side to be sensible with their sledging.
There was clear ill-feeling between the two teams earlier this month during a one-day series, when South Africa spinners Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi and Australia keeper Matthew Wade were all fined.
Australia paceman Peter Siddle and South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis then fired a couple of verbal barbs in the press.
But Smith has offered an olive branch of sorts, agreeing with rival skipper du Plessis that both sides will let their cricket do the talking throughout the three Tests.
"The things I said about Sri Lanka were more about us having some more energy and presence in the field," the 27-year-old told Cricket.com.au.
"It's not about getting in their face and sledging them or that kind of thing," Smith said.
"It's about making sure that our attitude's right and that we have that presence out on the field so if we get a half-chance that we're in a frame of mind to be ready to take it.
"I don't think it's anything about hostility and sledging as such."
However, Smith conceded there would be "a bit of chat" during the contests in Perth, Hobart and Adelaide.
"Each individual is different and I think aggressive means different things to different people," the gifted batsman said.
"Some people might need to get into a contest with a bowler verbally.
"Others might just need to puff their chest out a little bit or just have really good body language out on the field."
