Rudolph considers England future

Jacques Rudolph has proved an instant hit at Headingley

Former South African batsman Jacques Rudolph has expressed a wish to live in Yorkshire long-term and may seek to qualify for England by residency.

He has added two years to his existing Yorkshire contract to keep him at Headingley until the end of 2011.

The 26-year-old left-hander has ended his links with international cricket in South Africa after playing 35 Tests.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan told BBC Sport: "He wants to settle here and the rest is up to him."

Rudolph had a brilliant first season at Yorkshire and will continue to play on Kolpak terms as a non-overseas player.

He intends to buy a house in the region with his wife Elna in spring 2008.

Regan went on: "When he signed his first contract with us he said he had no intentions of signing a contract to play for South Africa again.

606: DEBATE What is going so badly wrong in South African cricket that a talented young batsman like Rudolph feels the need to do this? RazorCow

"He's said that on a number of occasions but now he's putting his money where his mouth is and is giving a very clear signal about what he sees is important in the future."

Rudolph said: "I look forward to seeing the Yorkshire lads again in March next year for pre-season training."

In 2007, the left-hander top-scored in the County Championship for Yorkshire with 1,078 runs and averaged 60.8 in the Pro40 to win the county's player of the year award.

In a statement, Regan added: "He is keen to put down roots in the county.

"I know he loves the area and the way the Yorkshire people respond to their cricket.

"The longer deal allows Jacques the potential opportunity to qualify for and go on to represent England in the future."

Rudolph has 2,028 Test runs to his name and five centuries - the last a brilliant unbeaten effort to save a match in Perth.