Lehmann wants Australia to keep up winning momentum against Kiwis

Following Australia's massive 208-run win over New Zealand in the first Test at the Gabba, coach Darren Lehmann has said his side will back that performance up when they take on the Kiwis in the second Test of the three-match series at Perth.

Lehmann said it is a challenge for his young team to show the performance as they have shown in the first Test to clinch the series, Sports24 reported.

The coach also praised skipper Steve Smith for handling well the episode surrounding paceman Mitchell Starc's act of throwing the ball at New Zealand batsman Mark-Craig during the Test.

He said that he was glad with the way Smith dealt with the situation.

Smith had earlier expressed his views on the incident, saying that it was pretty disappointing.

He said he hopes that the paceman won't repeat it again and added that he could have let the frustration out in other ways.

Following the incident, Starc was handed a fine of 5500 dollars (half of his match-fee) by match referee Roshan Mahanama for violating the ICC's code of conduct, which related to "throwing a ball at or near a player in an "inappropriate and/or dangerous manner" during an international match.

Australia have currently taken a 1-0 lead in the series against New Zealand.

The two sides will now play their second Test from November 13 followed by first day-night Test from November 27 at Adelaide.