Woolmer backs Cronje return

Woolmer (L) and Cronje at a press conference in 1998

Former South Africa coach Bob Woolmer believes Hansie Cronje should be allowed back into the cricketing fold.

Cronje, who played under Woolmer, was banned for life by the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) after admitting to taking money from bookmakers to fix matches.

He attempts to overturn the ban when his appeal hearing goes to court on Wednesday - the day after his 32nd birthday.

And despite the UCB remaining steadfast in their belief that Cronje should be barred from involvement in any form of cricket under their auspices, Woolmer has lent his support to Cronje's case.

"Just like anyone who has done wrong in any walk of life - like a drug addict or a thief, perhaps - he should have the chance of rehabilitation," Woolmer said on Tuesday.

He will have to serve some sort of sentence I'm sure, but he should not be seen as a bad person

Bob Woolmer

"I hope that over a period of time, people will slowly forgive him."

Cronje captained South Africa throughout Woolmer's time as the national team coach.

The former England batsman, now coach of Warwickshire, is a close friend of Cronje and says he will have to take some form of punishment.

But he maintains that Cronje's talents should not be overlooked.

"What Hansie has done is not good," said Woolmer.

"He will have to serve some sort of sentence I'm sure, but he should not be seen as a bad person.

"He did a tremendous job for South African cricket over a number of years and I hope he has a chance of giving some others a bit of his terrific expertise.

"I also hope that (the hearing) will bring some finality to a saga that has been on-going for far too long."