England one-day captain Alastair Cook has insisted that there is life after Kevin Pietersen, as his side aim to get revenge over South Africa without the controversial batsman. Pietersen will be absent again throughout the five-match one-day series, which starts in Cardiff on Friday, as the fall-out continues from the text message scandal that threatens to end his international career. The 32-year-old has been cast into exile after angering England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower by sending texts to South African players that allegedly contained criticism of the duo. With South Africa-born Pietersen on the sidelines, England were beaten by the Proteas in the final Test at Lord’s earlier this week. Graeme Smith’s team took over from England as the top ranked Test team thanks to their 2-0 series victory and they can rub salt into the wounds by taking the one-day honours as well. But Cook has led England to the top of the 50-over rankings on the back of 10 wins in 2012 and, although South Africa will go into the series full of confidence, the Essex opener believes Pietersen’s absence won’t damage their hopes.
