Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has hailed Ben Stokes as “a phenomenal talent” as the Cumbrian edges closer to his England return.

Stokes, who grew up in Cockermouth, returned to training with the national squad after pleading not guilty to a charge of affray at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last week.

The 26-year-old has not played for England since a fight outside a Bristol nightclub in September, but could make his comeback on Sunday morning (1am start UK time) in England’s opening One-Day International fixture against New Zealand in Hamilton in the five-match series.

This week, former captain Nasser Hussain said he had no doubt Stokes should be put straight back in the side.

Buttler, who will play alongside Stokes in this year’s Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals, says the all-rounder has fitted back in well.

“Ben Stokes is back with us – it had a back-at-school feel when he trained for the first time having been away for a bit,” said Buttler in a Sky Sports column.

“He’s excited, has fitted in well, and it’s like he’s never been away. He brings so much to the group on and off the field and is fantastic to bat with.

“He takes a lot of pressure off you with the things he is capable off. So, hopefully, I can have some good partnerships with him, not just for England, but also in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals.

"He’s a phenomenal talent and you probably have the best seat in the house when you’re batting with him.”

After this weekend’s opener at Seddon Park, England will then face the Kiwis at the Bay Oval (Feburary 28), Westpac Stadium (March 3), University Oval (March 6) and Christchurch’s Hagley Oval (March 9).