Rudolph’s Yorkshire career on hold

The club have been talking to the South African about the prospect of him coming back next year as their overseas player.

But with Rudolph keen to resume his international career, and with South Africa touring England in 2012, the situation is up in the air.

“We’ve been speaking to Jacques about him possibly coming back next season, but his main priority at the moment is trying to get back into the South African side,” said Yorkshire’s director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon.

“Until we all know how much or how little he is going to be involved in that, he’s not ready to commit really, and it’s very much a wait-and-see situation.

“Personally, I think there’s a good chance Jacques will be called up by South Africa – I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he played for them this winter – and the national training camp he has just been on went well for him apparently.

“I’m surprised he’s not played more international cricket, to be honest, because we all know what a top-class player he is.”

Rudolph last played for South Africa in 2006. He appeared in 35 Tests and 45 one-day internationals before joining Yorkshire as a Kolpak player in 2007.

If Rudolph does not return, Yorkshire may look to sign another overseas recruit.

However, they are still in the process of finalising arrangements and no decisions have yet been made.

“The only thing I can say at this stage is that we are looking to strengthen in general terms for next season,” added Moxon.

“Ideally, we’d like to bring in a batsman and a bowler, but it’s just a question of who’s available.

“It’s difficult because the majority of the best players are under contract with other counties.

“But we would like to bring in a couple of players if we can.”

Moxon confirmed Rudolph would not be returning for the final County Championship match of the season against Somerset at Headingley Carnegie, starting tomorrow.

The 30-year-old missed last week’s game against Warwickshire to attend a South Africa training camp, and Yorkshire always said there was a possibility he would not be back.

Joe Sayers – who led the side at Edgbaston in Rudolph’s absence and that of club captain Andrew Gale, who has a broken forearm – will once again captain the team.

Second-bottom Yorkshire go into the match 15 points adrift of safety and must win to maintain their microscopic hopes of dodging the drop.

“Jacques asked us if he could stay in South Africa this week because there are a few problems at his domestic club Titans,” explained Moxon.

“One of the coaches has left and there are a few things that need to be sorted out apparently.

“Although we wanted Jacques to come back, he felt he wanted to stay so there was no point forcing him.

“He did another great job while he was back with us and I’d like to thank him for his efforts.”

Moxon said he had no qualms about handing the captain’s arm band to Sayers once more after he led the team with authority at Edgbaston. “Joe did very well at Edgbaston and will continue to lead the side in Galey’s absence,” added Moxon.

“I’ve absolutely no qualms about him doing the job.

“Joe’s a very intelligent lad and very considered in the way that he speaks to the players and goes about his business.

“What we need from Joe first and foremost, of course, is as many runs as possible.

“But it’s good for him to have a taste of the extra responsibility that captaincy brings.”

Despite a difficult summer, with Yorkshire having struggled on all fronts, the club remain fully supportive of Moxon and Gale.

The duo almost led a young Yorkshire team to the Championship last year en route to a third-placed finish that surpassed expectations.

This year, captain and coach have come to know well the old adage that increased expectations can be something of a burden.

Yorkshire have struggled to replicate their performances of 2010 and now face a difficult few days in which the overwhelming probability is that they will be relegated in the Championship.

“It’s been a very challenging summer but myself and Galey are fully committed to building a Yorkshire side of predominantly home-grown players that will be successful for many years to come,” said Moxon.

“Galey continues to do a great job as captain and it’s just unfortunate that he’s injured at the moment.

“He always leads from the front and gives you everything you could want from a leader.

“Like myself, he is in this for the long haul and we’re both very determined to bring about success.”