Cullinan could return to Test stage at 37

Daryll Cullinan may come out of retirement at the age of 37 and play for South Africa on their tour of India next month.

Ray Jennings, South Africa's newly appointed coach, has asked the former Test player Cullinan to make himself available for the two-Test series. Jennings has asked the captain Graeme Smith - who Cullinan had criticised for failing to lead South Africa to a Test win against England in 2003 - to speak to the player about a possible return to the national side.

Cullinan, a middle-order batsman, said he would relish a comeback on the international stage: "It would be wonderful if it came to pass. I'd do it for nothing, but at this point I think that it would be inappropriate to comment."

He announced his retirement from international cricket in 2001 following an argument with the South African board over his contract. He pulled out of the match against Australia just hours before the game, although he later apologised.

Cullinan made his international debut against India in 1992, and has an outstanding record against them. He has scored 688 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 52.92, which far exceeds his career average of 44.21.