Graeme Smith expects 'awesome' Australia challenge

South Africa may have gone to the top of the world Test rankings after their 2-0 series win in England but Proteas captain Graeme Smith insisted there'd be no complacency ahead of a tour of Australia.

November will see South Africa in the unusual position of travelling to Australia, for much of the time since the Proteas' re-admission to international cricket the world's leading side, as favourites to win a Test series.

However, the South Africa captain -- speaking after a 51-run win at Lord's on Monday saw his side beat former England two Tests to nil with one draw as the former number one team lost a home campaign for the first time since going down to the Smith-led Proteas in 2008 -- was wary of the task ahead.

"We need to have a strong base so when the wind blows we can handle ourselves," he said.

"We need to increase our bowling depth in case we get injuries and have players who can come in and perform," opening batsman Smith added.

"These guys have built a formidable unit but we have Australia next and that will be an awesome challenge for us.

"Hopefully, we can push forward and take control."

South Africa were briefly the world's top Test team in 2009 and Smith said: "Having touched it before, we are pretty humble about this.

"There won't be too many flashy things from our side going forward, our feet will be firmly on the ground."