Contrary to recent reports circulating widely, Zimbabwean cricket legend Heath Streak is very much alive. The cricketing community and fans alike were taken aback by the news of his supposed passing, which had spread rapidly across various platforms. However, it has now been confirmed that the news of Heath Streak’s death was indeed false. The former cricket star, who has left an indelible mark on the sport, continues to live on, much to the relief and joy of his well-wishers around the world.
Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe captain and all-rounder who had been battling cancer for months, died on Tuesday, August 22nd, at the age of 49. During his 12-year career, he played 65 Tests and 189 ODIs.
He is the only Zimbabwean cricketer to have taken 100 Test wickets.
Henry Olonga, Streak’s former bowling partner, took to X to clear up the rumors. “I can confirm that rumors of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive, folks”. Olonga posted.
Heath Streak: A look back at his remarkable career
- Streak made his debut in cricket in 1993 with a brilliant effort against Pakistan. He established himself as a player to watch in his second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, taking 8 wickets.
- The cricket hero, who was born in Bulawayo, was considered one of the world’s best bowlers at the height of his career. He holds the record for the most wickets taken by a Zimbabwean player in Test and ODI cricket. He captained Zimbabwe in 2000, when a lot of players left the national team due to strained ties between the board and the team.
- Streak played 65 matches in his distinguished career, taking 216 wickets with an economy of 2.69. Streak appeared in 189 One-Day Internationals, taking 239 wickets at an economy rate of 4.51. His greatest bowling performance was 5-32.
- Streak scored 1,990 runs in the red-ball format, averaging 22.4. Streak scored 2,934 runs in ODIs with a strike rate of 73.4 and an average of 28.3.
- In 2005, the former Zimbabwe cricket captain announced his retirement at the age of 31. Streak remains Zimbabwe’s sole bowler with more than 100 Test and 200 ODI wickets.