Pollock calls for Cronje return

Pollock (right) is still in contact with Cronje

South Africa captain Shaun Pollock believes it would be a "waste" not to involve disgraced former skipper Hansie Cronje in the development of the game.

Pollock remains in contact with Cronje, who has been banned from cricket for life for his involvement in match-fixing, and believes his experience can help the current side.

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

Shaun Pollock

"There's no doubt that the man's played that much international cricket, he does have something to offer," said Pollock after arriving in Australia for a three-Test tour.

"The UCB (United Cricket Board of South Africa) 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.

"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."

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

Phone call

But that has not stopped Pollock speaking to Cronje about the demands of captaining a side in Australia.

"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 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.