Australia skipper Steve Smith has accused England paceman James Anderson of being one of the worst offenders when it comes to sledging.

England were unhappy with comments aimed at Jonny Bairstow during their 10-wicket loss to the Aussies in this week's first Test.

Ahead of the start of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, however, Smith has described Anderson - one of those who spoke out about the hosts' antics - as "one of the biggest sledgers in the game".

"It's interesting coming from Jimmy, calling us bullies and big sledgers," he told reporters. "To me in particular, I remember back in 2010 when I first started and wasn't any good, he was pretty happy to get stuck into me then.

"Pretty interesting coming from Jimmy. I think he's one of the biggest sledgers in the game, to be perfectly honest with you."

Anderson managed two wickets for 77 runs in the opening Test clash.