Cronje has a lot to offer, says Pollock

South Africa captain Shaun Pollock said on Sunday that disgraced former skipper Hansie Cronje still had a lot to offer the game.

"I think in Hansie's situation, there's no doubt that the man's played that much international cricket, he does have something to offer," Pollock told a news conference after arriving in Australia for a three-test tour.

"The UCB has taken a stance with regards to the punishment that's been dealt out to him but from our perspective Hansie does have a lot to offer and maybe at some stage in years to come he could have used that experience either at kids' level or provincial level.

"To waste all the experience that he does have would be a waste."

Pollock said he remained in telephone contact with Cronje, who has been banned from cricket for life for his involvement in match-fixing.

"I've spoken to the captains who have toured Australia before. I've spoken to Hansie, I've spoken to Kepler (Wessels)," Pollock said.

"He (Cronje) tries to get in touch with me when he can .. it might just be a phone call every once in a while but as a young captain you appreciate any input you can get especially from guys who have been there and done it."

The Pretoria High Court ruled in October that it would not overturn a life ban imposed on Cronje.

The court ruled that the ban, imposed after Cronje admitted last year he had accepted money from bookmakers during his captaincy, should stand but said Cronje could take part in certain coaching and media activities.

Mail Cricket Editor