Wessels and Cronje were team-mates in 1992

"He probably hoped for more, but the judge has reached a compromise which is fair enough.

"It will allow him back into the game through slow rehabilitation."

The UCB awaited the result knowing that Cronje's return to the game could, at worst, see South Africa pushed out of international cricket once again.

Board saves face

"The board knew that there would be some backlash if Hansie was allowed back into the South African team," said Wessels.

"That's what they were worried about, but this judgment has helped them save face.

"They have not been walked all over, and it's a logical conclusion."

Wessels refused to rule out Cronje's return to the national team set-up in the future but said that it would not happen for the next few years.

"Boards change and the people in power change," he said.

"There might be a chance in future, but while the current board is in place and the issue is still upper-most in people's minds he won't even try to return."