Series win is just the start for Pietersen

8:57am Thursday 4th September 2008

KEVIN PIETERSEN’S England can celebrate their NatWest Series win over South Africa – but only on condition they buy into the captain’s challenge to continue their self-improvement.

Pietersen’s team were last night denied their chance to shoot for a 5-0 whitewash and second place in the one-day international rankings by the rain in Cardiff.

They have nonetheless confounded the expectations of many by racking up a 4-0 success on the back of an outstanding man-of-the-series performance from allrounder Andrew Flintoff, under the leadership of a man who took over the reins as Test and limited-overs captain less than a month ago.

The uncompromising message from Pietersen, though, is that they will never be allowed to stand still admiring their achievements.

‘‘Playing against a quality side like South Africa in a one-day series you’re obviously an underdog – but the way the guys have come out and played and practised has been absolutely exceptional,’’ said a satisfied Pietersen.

‘‘I can’t fault anyone for anything. I can’t ask for anything more as a captain.’’ Pietersen is vowing to enjoy the success – because tougher days are inevitable – as well as striving to make them continue as long as possible.

‘‘I know there are going to be hard and testing times – especially the trip to India, because it’s not easy for any team to tour India,’’ he added – casting his mind forward beyond England’s next expedition, for the Stanford Super Series in Antigua, to the trip to the subcontinent which follows.

‘‘I also have a philosophy of really enjoying the good times – because when the bad times come along you long for those good times.

‘‘You make sure you enjoy the days like today and this series because it’s going to be tough in India – and we’ll just have to deal with it.’’ Pietersen is delighted with the reaction of his players since he took charge – but he makes it clear they must carry on giving all they have to the collective cause.

‘‘All the guys are just hungry for success,’’ he said.

‘‘There are a lot of players who know they have settled for a comfort zone in certain areas – but I don’t live with any comfort zones.

‘‘I don’t settle for mediocrity; I want guys to perform and to be the best people they can possibly be – there’s no point living if you don’t want to be the best you can be.’’