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Jos Buttler excited to return for England

Jos Buttler eager to get back out on the field in England's ODI series against South Africa after losing his place in the Test side.

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Jos Buttler is itching to put his stamp on England's tour of South Africa, after taking a watching brief during the 2-1 Test series success.

Wicketkeeper Buttler lost his spot in the Test side during the tour of the UAE to face Pakistan last year and was replaced by Jonny Bairstow, who kept his place against the Proteas and scored 359 runs at an average of 71.80, though the Yorkshireman was erratic with the gloves for large parts of the series.

Buttler's Test career is yet to take off, but he remains one of England's most potent white-ball players, evidenced by his stunning 46-ball century against Pakistan in Dubai - the fastest international hundred scored by an Englishman.

Saturday's warm-up encounter with South Africa A in Kimberley will see Buttler make his first appearance in exactly two months, and he is eager to get back out on the field.

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"I'm very excited to play a game of cricket. It's been a long tour and even though I haven't played, I feel like I've learnt a lot," he said.

"It's obviously been a fantastic tour to be on, winning the series. I'm desperate to play, and have had to wait for my chance.

"But going into this one-day series, coming off the back of a good one in the UAE, I'll be trying not to be too over-eager and just let it happen and enjoy playing cricket."

Buttler confirmed that Stuart Broad – added to the squad as a replacement for the injured Steven Finn – will be rested on Saturday, along with Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes and Joe Root.

"Broad, Woakes, Stokes and Root are missing out. Obviously, those guys have played a lot of Test cricket - and it gives others a chance to play and impress," Buttler added.

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"They are obviously some good guys missing out, but will be in contention for the first ODI."

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