The fast bowler injured his shoulder fielding in the first match of England's tour at Bloemfontein almost three weeks ago - and has since had to sit out two Twenty20s and a one-day international.

A drawn Twenty20 series was followed in his absence by England going 1-0 up with three to play in the ODIs, starting at Newlands on Friday.

For Broad, man of the match in England's Ashes-clinching victory at The Oval three months ago, it has been an aggravating false start to the winter.

But he was relieved to discover his shoulder problem was not long term, and has been heartened to watch England's progress too.

"I'm just looking forward to pushing my way back into the side and adding to what has been a great start to the tour," he said.

"It's always frustrating when you're missing cricket. But it's fantastic the way the lads have started the tour.

"It's been a tricky couple of weeks getting my shoulder right - but I feel back to full fitness, and excited if selected for Friday."

Broad was able to confirm too that his injury has cleared up entirely.

"It wasn't a structural damage; it was just an impingement in the shoulder," he explained.

"That's gone now, and it should be fine. There are no long-lasting effects to it.

"I've been bowling for three or four days now, feel fully fit - and I'm excited about potentially taking some wickets again."

Right up there on Broad's wish-list is to renew his pace-bowling partnership with James Anderson.

"We've missed a bit of cricket since the Ashes together," he said.

"He's been rested, and I've been rested on occasions.

"I'm looking forward to getting back in the middle with him. He's been bowling well, as has the whole unit."