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Cook confirms Buttler's Test return

Cape Town - England skipper Alastair Cook has confirmed that Jos Buttler would make his return to the Test team over a year since his last outing in the format.

Buttler and all-rounder Chris Woakes come into the XI with a decision to be made on who will replace Zafar Ansari closer to the Test.

Speaking ahead of the third Test Cook said, as quoted by the Daily Mail: "Stuart (Broad) is definitely out and Chris Woakes is definitely in."

Cook confirmed that Ansari would miss the Test but would not name his replacement with either Gareth Batty or Steven Finn expected to replace the tweaker.

The skipper was confident in Buttler's abilities but conceded the circumstances for his return were not ideal with the Lancashire keeper having played just one first class game this season.

Cook said: "Jos is an extremely talented cricketer and we've all seen that in the one-day and Twenty20 format.

"He's right up there with the best short-form players in the world and he's earned an opportunity to come and play here.

"It's clearly not ideal because of circumstances and he hasn't played a lot of red-ball cricket but sometimes when the pressure's off and you just go out and play you can do something special."

The skipper informed the gathered press that Jonny Bairstow would retain the gloves despite the perception that Buttler is better behind the stumps.

"There was no temptation to give Jos the gloves back," Cook added. "I think Jonny's been outstanding and has settled in that role and done very well."

The skipper also declared that the axing of Ben Duckett as not the end of the road for the promising youngster.

Skipper Cook went on: "Ben won't be the only good player who has been dropped.

"He has an England future, there's no doubt about it, because he's a very talented guy with a lot ahead of him," said Cook.

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