Steve Smith challenges Australia to extend lead

Australian batsman Steve Smith raises his bat after reaching his century on the first day of the fifth Ashes cricket Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2014
© Getty Images
Captain Steve Smith calls on Australia to extend their lead at the top of the Test rankings following their 2-0 series win over New Zealand.

Steve Smith has urged his Australia teammates to not rest on their laurels following their ascent to the top of the Test rankings.

Smith was at the crease as the Aussies secured a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand in Christchurch earlier today - a result that secured their return to the summit.

However, rather than believe that the job is now complete, the 26-year-old has challenged the players to build upon their advantage.

"It's a good start for us. We want to win every series we play and winning away from home is a big goal of mine and the team's," he told reporters.

"We came here at the start of the series wanting to win 2-0 and we knew if we did that we would be number one in the world.

"I guess the challenge for this group now is to extend that gap and try and play some very good cricket home and away."

Australia have won 12 of their last 19 Tests, losing just three times.

Peter Nevill of New South Wales bats during day four of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 3, 2014
Read Next:
Peter Nevill makes T20 World Cup squad
>