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Joe Root: 'We have the momentum'

Joe Root insists that England have the momentum in their ODI series despite a first loss to South Africa last time out.

Joe Root has insisted that England have the momentum in their ODI series with South Africa, despite their seven-wicket loss in Centurion on Tuesday.

A knock of 137 off 117 from Quinton de Kock helped the Proteas to their first victory in the series, which England still lead 2-1 with two matches to play.

"We have played some fantastic cricket for six months now in this format of the game," Root told Sky Sports News. "In that respect, we have got a lot of momentum and it is about making sure we keep building on everything we are doing and keep learning from our experiences.

"We must learn from the loss the other night and make sure that something like that doesn't happen again. We've got some very hungry guys in our squad who are keen to make some big scores and put South Africa under pressure if we bat first."

Stuart Broad is expected to return to action for the next encounter in Johannesburg in his first appearance in the ODI format of the game since last year's World Cup.

"I am sure he will be desperate to come out there and play, especially after the way he performed out here last time," Root added. "Stuart has played over 100 one-dayers for England and has huge amounts of experience. If he comes in, that knowledge is just one of the things he will bring.

"It's very exciting and everyone who is not playing at the minute is pushing hard for places and that is exactly where you want to be in a squad of players."

The fourth ODI begins at 11am on Friday.

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Ben Stokes and Joe Root walk off for tea on day two of the third Test between South Africa and England on January 15, 2016
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