Hansie Cronje factfile

1969 - Born September 25, Bloemfontein.

1987 - As a right-hand bat who bowls medium pace, makes first-class debut for Orange Free State versus Transvaal in Johannesburg.

1992 - Test debut versus West Indies in Bridgetown.

1994 - Appointed South Africa captain aged 25, replacing Kepler Wessels for home series versus New Zealand.

1995 - Plays for Leicestershire, scoring 1,301 runs at 52.04.

1996 - Leads South Africa to 1-0 home victory against England in their first five-Test series since returning to world cricket after apartheid.

1999 - Dream of winning World Cup wrecked as South Africa go out in semi-finals to Australia with both teams tied on 213.

2000 - January: South Africa beat England 2-1 but lose the rain-affected fifth and final Test, ending a 14-match unbeaten run, as Cronje surprisingly agrees to forfeit an innings.

April: Charged with match-fixing by Indian police after one-day series in March. Dropped from one-day series against Australia after admitting not being "entirely honest" in his denials.

May-June: Tells King commission investigating match-fixing allegations: "I tried to live a Christian life and walk the way the Lord wanted me to walk... I allowed Satan and the world to dictate terms to me." Admits he approached team mates Herschelle Gibbs and Henry Williams, about underperforming in a one-day match against India. Admits accepting about $130,000 from bookmakers over four-year period. Denies he ever threw a match.

October: Banned for life by United Cricket Board of South Africa after playing 68 Tests, making 3,714 runs at 36.14, and 188 one-day internationals.

2001 - January: Launches court bid to overturn life ban, saying does not want to play again but wants to renew links with the sport. UCB counsel Wim Trengove says: "Cronje is a cheat by his own confession."

July: Cronje says would like to coach South Africa one day. Denies having concealed secret bank accounts from inquiry. Says he was frustrated by ban because he wanted to coach children and help them buy equipment "especially in the rural townships". Adds he keeps himself busy by studying for a second degree and starting a club for disabled athletes.

October: The Pretoria high court throws out Cronje's appeal and rules that the life ban from cricket will stay in place but says Cronje can take part in coaching and media activities.

2002 - February: Appointed as a financial manager by a company listed on the Johannesburg stock exchange.

June 1 - Killed in a plane crash in South Africa.