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21:38 GMT, Wednesday, 3 September 2008 22:38 UK

Pietersen focuses on more success

England celebrate with the one-day series trophy

Kevin Pietersen was delighted with England's 4-0 one-day series win over South Africa, but warned against complacency on the winter tours ahead.

Pietersen's side were denied the chance to secure a 5-0 whitewash after rain wiped out the final match on Wednesday.

"You make sure you enjoy the times like these because it'll be tough in India.

"I don't settle for mediocrity; I want guys to perform, to chuck their talent around and be the best people they can possibly be," said England's skipper.

"There's no point living if you don't want to be the best you can be."

Pietersen has been greatly encouraged by the way his team has played to beat the world's second-ranked one-day side.

"I can't fault anyone for anything. I can't ask for anything more as a captain"
Kevin Pietersen

England went into the series ranked sixth in the standings and having lost the Test series but, helped by the magnificent form of all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and the return to the side of paceman Steve Harmison, they transformed their fortunes in impressive style to move up to third in the rankings.

They scraped home in the first match of the series before securing emphatic wins by 10 wickets and 126 runs respectively in the second and third matches and winning the fourth by seven wickets on Sunday.

"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 Pietersen.

ODI CRICKET: DEBATE
"Do you agree with my series ratings for the England one-day side?"
freddiefanforever

"I can't fault anyone for anything. I can't ask for anything more as a captain.

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

The next challenge for England is the potentially multi-million dollar Stanford Series in the West Indies in late October and early November.

They then head off to India, where the pitches and weather will present very different challenges, for a series featuring two Tests and seven one-day internationals, before travelling to the West Indies in late January for four Tests and five one-day matches.

Next summer will come the great test when Pietersen's side seek to regain the Ashes from Australia.




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Related to this story:

Rain ends England whitewash hopes (03 Sep 08 |  England )
South Africa coach admits mistake (03 Sep 08 |  England )
Flintoff hails captain Pietersen (31 Aug 08 |  Cricket )
England maintain perfect record (31 Aug 08 |  Cricket )
England win seals one-day series (29 Aug 08 |  England )
England surge to 10-wicket rout (26 Aug 08 |  England )
Pietersen inspires England to win (22 Aug 08 |  England )
South Africa in England in 2008 (29 Aug 08 |  Cricket )
England in India 2008 (14 Jul 08 |  Cricket )
England in West Indies 2009 (01 Jun 08 |  England )

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