Buttler apologises for Test outburst

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler on Sunday apologised for the language that landed him with a fine during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Buttler was fined 15 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point by the International Cricket Council for an expletive-laden outburst against South Africa's Vernon Philander.

The incident was captured on the stump microphone and widely distributed on social media.

I fully understand that as role models we have a duty to behave in a certain way," said Buttler as England started their preparations for the third Test starting at St George's Park on Thursday.

"I'd like to apologise. I understand that's not the way to behave so I'll take the slap on the wrist and move on." He ascribed his behaviour to "heat of the moment and a bit of redness".

Asked his opinion on stump microphones staying switched on during play, Buttler said he believed there were arguments both for and against.

"In Test cricket there's a lot of high emotions at times and things being said that don't necessarily mean anything but for viewers at home come across very poorly," he said.

"We understand that it adds to the viewership experience, having stump mics and being able to hear a bit what goes on," said Buttler.

"I also like (the argument) that what goes on the field stays on the field and isn't heard necessarily by viewers at home. It's up for debate."
"Everyone just rides off the back of Ben Stokes," said Buttler. "He's pretty super-human at the moment and he generates a lot of confidence for everyone."