Zimbabwe cricket legend Heath Streak dies at 49

NEW DELHI,AUG 23 :  cricket legend Heath Streak has passed away at 49 after a courageous battle with cancer, according to his former teammates.

Streak, widely considered as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers, led his country between 2000 and 2004. His career spanning 12 years saw him play 65 Test matches and 189 ODIs, upholding Zimbabwe’s cricket prestige even single-handedly at times. He remains the only cricketer from Zimbabwe to take 100 Test wickets.

Henry Olonga, Streak’s former bowling partner, took to social media to express his sorrow. “Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side,” Olonga posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), eulogizing his comrade-in-arms as the “greatest all-rounder” Zimbabwe produced.

While Streak’s bowling skills were his primary asset, he was no slouch with the bat either. His batting prowess in the middle order saw him amass 1990 Test runs and 2943 ODI runs during his career. His 127 not out, scored against West Indies in Harare, remains his only Test century.

Streak’s career began in 1993 with his debut against Pakistan, where he swiftly established himself by taking eight wickets in his second Test in Rawalpindi. He opted for retirement in 2005 after his stint as captain of Warwickshire under a two-year contract in 2006 ended prematurely due to issues with his form. In 2007, he signed up for the Indian Cricket League (ICL), marking the end of his international cricket journey.

Post-retirement, Streak remained connected with the sport, taking up coaching roles with Zimbabwe, Scotland, Bangladesh, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders. His career was smeared when he was handed an eight-year ban by the ICC for anti-corruption breaches. Despite this setback, Streak’s legacy as a cricketer and captain is indelible, and his loss deeply felt across the cricketing world.

-PTI