We have become number one by taking small steps: Prior

England wicket-keeper Matt Prior said on Sunday that they have earned the tag of number of one Test team by taking small steps and they are mindful of challenges to stay up there.

England replaced India as the top Test team after winning the Edgbaston Test by an innings and 242 runs, on Saturday.

"Being the No 1 ranked Test nation is something that we set our sights on some time ago and we have got there by taking small steps and not really looking too far ahead," Prior wrote in the 'Daily Telegraph'.

"We know that getting to the top is one thing, but that staying there will be a different challenge altogether. We have the potential to be a great team and we have worked very hard and shown a lot of discipline over the last couple of years to get to this position," Prior added.

Prior said consistent positive results have given them the belief that they are on the path of becoming a great side.

"There are players in this side whose statistics are starting to bear comparison with some of the all-time great England players. But we are a young side who could be together for another four or five years, so there is potential for further improvement.

"We have got into this position by performing well in some tough recent series. To go to Australia and retain the Ashes 3-1 with three wins by an innings was a phenomenal achievement. To be playing and beating India, who we have replaced as the best team in the world, shows what a good side we are," he wrote.

The wicket-keeper batsman said their mantra for success was to work hard and also credit skipper Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower for getting the best out of the players.

"We have got where we are through hard work. It cannot be over-estimated how much this team have put in together. There has been a lot of shared hardship, we push each other hard every day and that has built an amazing team spirit.

"The two Andrews  Flower and Strauss  also push each other and they challenge us every day to train harder, to put ourselves under pressure and to improve with bat, ball or in the field," Prior said.

The England cricketer said that there is good camaraderie among players and that has also played a part in their success.

"It is hard work but there is also a lot of enjoyment from playing in a team who are doing so well and succeeding together. For me, it is like playing club cricket on a Saturday afternoon with your mates. The difference is we have the privilege of playing together at places like Lords and Edgbaston."