Steven Smith: Australia can get better

A draw in the third Test with West Indies on Thursday rounded off a 2-0 series win, having beaten the Black Caps by the same scoreline on home soil in November.

Steven Smith has been preparing his players to up their game when the New Zealand Tests get under way on February 12.

Australia captain Steve Smith says his side can be satisfied with their form over recent months but has called for an improvement in performances away from home ahead of their forthcoming Test series in New Zealand.

A draw in the third Test with West Indies on Thursday rounded off a 2-0 series win, having beaten the Black Caps by the same scoreline on home soil in November.

"I think it's been a pretty impressive summer for us, to win four Tests out of the six and not lose any; it's been pretty satisfying for us," said Smith. 

"I think in total we've scored 15 centuries between us in six Test matches, which is a very good effort. And we've obviously taken 20 wickets on four occasions. So I've been really impressed with the way we've gone about our business this summer.

"For us now in Test cricket it's about making sure we back that up away from home. I think we've always played quite well at home. But the challenge for us is to make sure we're winning the series away from home. And that starts with a tough series for us in New Zealand in a couple of weeks' time."

Australia have not toured since losing The Ashes 3-2 to England in August and Smith has been preparing his players to up their game when the New Zealand Tests get under way on February 12.

"I've had a few chats about it to some of the boys," he explained. "I think when you're under pressure you sort of go back to what you know. I think that can hurt you a little bit sometimes away from home.

"I think you have to almost have to find another way to do things. Whether that be playing in England, New Zealand, making sure you're playing under your eyes.

"I think in Australia you can sort of play out in front of yourself a little bit more, whereas that will get you in trouble in places like England and New Zealand. And sub-continent, using your feet down the wicket, sweeping to get the bowlers off their lines.

"I think you almost need to get away from what you know to be successful in those sorts of conditions.

"That's sort of one thing I've spoken about to a few of the boys. And hopefully we're able to adapt and each of us are able to find a game plan that works in all different conditions around the world."