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Morne Morkel said there is no foundation to talk that South Africa team-mate AB de Villiers could be set to end his Test career following the current series against England after the tourists edged day two at Kingsmead.
Afrikaans newspaper Rapport reported that wicketkeeper-batsman De Villiers, who made 49 in the first Test on Sunday, is considering his future in the longest format of the game.
The prolific De Villiers has played a key role in ensured the Proteas are the top-ranked team in Test cricket and paceman Morkel rubbished claims that he could make himself unavailable for selection after the four-match series.
He said: "I think it is a story. He is still very keen to play for South Africa and to break records.
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"AB is the ultimate sportsman. He inspires us. We are lucky to have him in our changing room."
Morkel produced a brilliant spell to record figures of 4-76, with fellow quick Dale Steyn taking 4-70 as England were bowled out for 303 in Durban on day two.
Stuart Broad then starred by taking 3-16 as South Africa closed on 137-4 to leave the match finely poised and Morkel was pleased to contribute.
"I'm happy with my performance, I've been putting myself under a lot of pressure. It's nice to do well for the team." he said.
"Every player goes through a patch where they struggle to get runs or take wickets. It's just about sticking it out."
Morkel praised Broad and the rest of the England attack, who were frustrated by stubborn opener Dean Elgar (67 not out) and De Villiers before Broad got rid of the latter.
"They bowled exceptionally well," he said. "They bowled slightly fuller and they learnt from our mistakes and got the ball in the right area from the word go.
"It's a new-ball wicket. If you can get through the new-ball phase it's a lot easier. They bowled exceptionally well and credit to them."