There comes a sad news for all the Cricket enthusiasts. Former Zimbabwe Captain, Heath Streak died at the age of 49 in the early hours of September 3. ‘Sunday Morning’ brought tears of sorrow for Streak’s family members & the entire Cricket fraternity as Streak lost the battle with cancer. Earlier last week, a false rumor of Heath Streak’s death was doing rounds on social media. But this time the news is true as his wife herself has shared the information of Streak’s death on social media.
After Heath Streak’s sad demise his wife, Nadine took to social media to write a heartfelt message in memory of her husband.
“In the early hours of this morning, Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, the greatest love of my life and the father of my beautiful children, was carried to be with the angels from his home, where he wished to spend his last days surrounded by his family and closest loved ones. He was covered in love and peace and did not walk off the park alone. Our souls are joined for eternity, Streaky. Till I hold you again,”
Heath Streak died at his family’s farmhouse in Inyathi, Matabeleland North. Even his father has confirmed the sad news of Streak’s death. He wrote that Heath was battling cancer & was not well for almost six months. Notably, Heath Streak died in the early hours of 3rd September.
How did fake News of Heath Streak’s death go Viral?
Back on August 23, fake news of Heath Streak’s death started doing rounds on social media. Following the news, his teammate, Henry Olonga posted a tweet remembering Streak’s Playing days in Zimbabwe Cricket. The news spread like wildfire with many cricketers & fans extending condolences to his family & paying tribute to the legendary cricketer. However, soon to everyone’s surprise Heath Streak confirmed that he was still alive. He also had a chat with his former teammate Henry Olongo & a leading media publication claiming that the fake news has hurt him a lot at the moment when he is battling cancer.
Henry Olongo also shared a screenshot of his chat with Streak & apologized for his tribute tweet. Just a few days after quashing Heath Streak’s fake death rumors, the prolific cricketer in reality left the world.
A Glimpse of Heath Streak Career Achievements
Heath Streak was one of the best players in Zimbabwe Cricket. His contributions to his home country were instrumental which helped him to earn the reputation of one of the most prolific players of his era. He was regarded as one of the best bowlers of Zimbabwe Cricket. In fact, he was the first Zimbabwe Cricketer to claim 100 wickets in both Tests & ODIs. And was the only bowler from Zimbabwe to complete 200 Test wickets & 1000 Test runs. In ODIs too he has created a mark for himself by scoring 2000 runs & scalping 200 wickets, a feat which is still unachieved by any cricketer.
His batting too was commendable as he has amassed a total of 4,933 Intenrational runs. But his bowling skills were something that set him apart from others. His presence of mind on the field & his accuracy in judging the lines & lengths of any delivery is what makes him one of the best bowlers the World Cricket ever had. Streak has played 65 Tests and 189 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe, captaining the team between 2000 and 2004. His 216 wickets in Test cricket and 239 in ODIs made him Zimbabwe’s all-time highest wicket-taker in both formats.
Heath Streak has led Zimbabwe to several glorious wins as a Captain
Streak’s standout performance came against India in an ODI fixture back in 1997. The Indian team led by Sachin Tendulkar was visiting Zimbabwe for a two-match ODI series. In the first ODI which was won by Zimbabwe by eight wickets, Streak starred with his bowling prowess. He was one of the youngest players in Zimbabwe scalping 5 wickets for just 32 runs in his spell of 8.5 overs. His performance helped dismantle India’s batting order & restrict them to a total of 168 in 43.5 overs. This standout performance helped Streak to earn the Player of the Match award and remained his best bowling performance in ODIs throughout his international career. He has led the Zimbabwe team as a captain to many unparalleled wins including their win in a Test match against India in 2002.
After hanging his boots in International Cricket he began his career in Coaching Role. He was appointed as the bowling coach of Zimbabwe National Cricket in 2009, where he groomed young talents such as Kyle Jarvis, Christopher Mpofu, Brian Vitori, and Shingirai Masakadza. His coaching career was full of ups & downs as his financial constraints & allegations of racism dented his coaching tenure. Despite these setbacks, Streak’s impact on Zimbabwean cricket remained profound.
Streak- An Integral Part of Zimbabwe’s Golden Era
Heath Streak’s legacy has extended beyond his personal achievements. He was a part of the Golden era of Zimbabwe cricket between the period of 1997 & 2002. A tenure when the country made remarkable strides in the International arena. His relationship with Zimbabwe cricket was hot & cold but his dedication & love for his country was beyond all that. Whenever Zimbabwe Cricket needed his services he was always there on the field as a brave fast bowler. His life and career were a testament to his immense strength, and unwavering dedication to Zimbabwean cricket.
Though Streak is not between us he will forever stay in every cricket enthusiast’s mind as a prolific bowler & accomplished batsman the World Cricket ever had.
Sportsermon extends strength & condolences to Heath Streak’s family & loved ones.
Also read, BR vs SLK Live Score, CPL 2023 Match 16 Dream11 Prediction
