<p>Former Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has passed away aged 49 during early hours of Sunday, September 3. A false news of his demise had been circulated recently but this time around, it has been confirmed by his wife Nadine in a social media post on Facebook. The former Zimbabwe all-rounder was battling cancer.</p>

<p>"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," Nadine Streak wrote on Facebook.</p>

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<p>Streak, who is one of the best cricketers produced by the African nation, played in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs and even went on to lead the side. He took 216 wickets with the red-ball and 239 in ODIs - both a record for his country. He also scored 1,990 Test runs and 2,943 ODI runs during his 12-year long career from 1993 to 2005.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-former-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-takes-a-swipe-at-indian-batters-after-shaheen-afridis-wickets-631881">Asia Cup: Former Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif takes a SWIPE at Indian batters after Shaheen Afridi's wickets</a></p>

<p>He also had most Test wins for Zimbabwe as captain, winning four out of 21 games he led in and losing 11. In ODIs, he captained in 68 games, winning 18 and losing 47. After retirement, he went on to coach the national side as well.</p>

<p>Recently, Streak's former teammate Henry Olonga had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zimbabwean-seamer-henry-olonga-issues-public-apology-over-false-news-of-heath-streaks-death-629461">shared the news of his demise but issued an apology later</a> after talking with Streak. The sad news, however, turns out to be true this time.</p>

<p>While Streak's career was an exciting one, he was given eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption in cricket in 2021. While the former cricket took 'full responsibility' for his actions, he denied making any attempts to fix the matches.<br />
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Former Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has passed away aged 49 during early hours of Sunday, September 3. A false news of his demise had been circulated recently but this time around, it has been confirmed by his wife Nadine in a social media post on Facebook.

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has passed away aged 49 during early hours of Sunday, September 3. A false news of his demise had been circulated recently but this time around, it has been confirmed by his wife Nadine in a social media post on Facebook. The former Zimbabwe all-rounder was battling cancer. "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," Nadine Streak wrote on Facebook. Streak, who is one of the best cricketers produced by the African nation, played in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs and even went on to lead the side. He took 216 wickets with the red-ball and 239 in ODIs - both a record for his country. He also scored 1,990 Test runs and 2,943 ODI runs during his 12-year long career from 1993 to 2005. Also Read: Asia Cup: Former Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif takes a SWIPE at Indian batters after Shaheen Afridi's wickets He also had most Test wins for Zimbabwe as captain, winning four out of 21 games he led in and losing 11. In ODIs, he captained in 68 games, winning 18 and losing 47. After retirement, he went on to coach the national side as well. Recently, Streak's former teammate Henry Olonga had shared the news of his demise but issued an apology later after talking with Streak. The sad news, however, turns out to be true this time. While Streak's career was an exciting one, he was given eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption in cricket in 2021. While the former cricket took 'full responsibility' for his actions, he denied making any attempts to fix the matches. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Heath Streak, former Zimbabwe skipper passes away, wife Nadine confirms in Facebook post

<p>Zimbabwean seamer Henry Olonga has issued a public apology for informing everyone of the false news of his teammate Heath Streak’s death earlier this week. After posting on social media (on X, formerly known as Twitter) about Streak’s demise, Olonga’s post received attraction.</p>

<p>However, he later posted confirming that the news is false and Streak is alive. After all of this drama unfolded, Olonga, a few days later, issued a public apology on his Facebook handle, writing, "Extremely sorry that I took it as gospel."</p>

<p>"Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP @ZimCricketv legend. The greatest all rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you. See you on the other side when my bowling spell comes to an end...," Olonga posted on X informing everyone about Streak's death, who is battling cancer.</p>

<p>In a one-liner confirmation Olonga received on WhatsApp, Streak texted saying he was alive and asked Olonga to reverse his decision (using a sense of humour).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can confirm that rumours 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 said in a separate post.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I can confirm that rumours 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. <a href="https://t.co/LQs6bcjWSB">pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB</a></p>
— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) <a href="https://twitter.com/henryolonga/status/1694212344732357101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Olonga issues public apology</h2>

<p>Upon receiving flak for spreading false news about Streak’s death on social media, Olonga – Streak’s childhood friend and a former teammate, shared a lengthy note on his Facebook handle, clearing the air between the two and revealing the relationship both share.</p>

<p>He said after he received this information, he texted Streak and his family to confirm the news. Since it was too late at night and he didn’t get any revert from anyone soon, it led to a misunderstanding of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In any case, I was informed that Heath had taken a turn for the worse. We were encouraged to write kind words for his eulogy. So it appeared imminent. I will not go into too much detail how the miscommunication occurred, but rest assured I heard the story first on Facebook like everyone else," wrote Olonga in his Facebook post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I did immediately text Heath and Nadine to verify. It was a while before they could respond as it was late at night. I texted a few close cricket colleagues who know the family well, and they confirmed it was true. I did ask pointed questions to verify, but they were convinced."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After all, I had only heard from Heath the day before so it seemed kind of sudden. But I truly was devastated as I genuinely believed he was gone. And all the emotion I felt I am sure those who encountered the story felt it too," the former seamer added.</p>

<p>Detailing further on the series of events, Olonga wrote,&nbsp;"Obviously, I am extremely sorry that I took it as gospel. I then placed my own tributes, which seemed to gather a lot of traction ( amongst many tributes out there) only to get a text from Heath a few hours later in which he asked me to reverse the decision. (He has always had a great sense of humour)."&nbsp;</p>

<h3>You can read the post here -</h3>

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Zimbabwean seamer Henry Olonga has issued a public apology for informing everyone of the false news of his teammate Heath Streak’s death earlier this week. After posting on social media (on X, formerly known as Twitter) about Streak’s demise, Olonga’s post received attraction.

Zimbabwean seamer Henry Olonga has issued a public apology for informing everyone of the false news of his teammate Heath Streak’s death earlier this week. After posting on social media (on X, formerly known as Twitter) about Streak’s demise, Olonga’s post received attraction. However, he later posted confirming that the news is false and Streak is alive. After all of this drama unfolded, Olonga, a few days later, issued a public apology on his Facebook handle, writing, "Extremely sorry that I took it as gospel." "Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP @ZimCricketv legend. The greatest all rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you. See you on the other side when my bowling spell comes to an end...," Olonga posted on X informing everyone about Streak's death, who is battling cancer. In a one-liner confirmation Olonga received on WhatsApp, Streak texted saying he was alive and asked Olonga to reverse his decision (using a sense of humour). "I can confirm that rumours 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 said in a separate post. I can confirm that rumours 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. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB — Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023 × Olonga issues public apology Upon receiving flak for spreading false news about Streak’s death on social media, Olonga – Streak’s childhood friend and a former teammate, shared a lengthy note on his Facebook handle, clearing the air between the two and revealing the relationship both share. He said after he received this information, he texted Streak and his family to confirm the news. Since it was too late at night and he didn’t get any revert from anyone soon, it led to a misunderstanding of the situation. "In any case, I was informed that Heath had taken a turn for the worse. We were encouraged to write kind words for his eulogy. So it appeared imminent. I will not go into too much detail how the miscommunication occurred, but rest assured I heard the story first on Facebook like everyone else," wrote Olonga in his Facebook post. "I did immediately text Heath and Nadine to verify. It was a while before they could respond as it was late at night. I texted a few close cricket colleagues who know the family well, and they confirmed it was true. I did ask pointed questions to verify, but they were convinced." "After all, I had only heard from Heath the day before so it seemed kind of sudden. But I truly was devastated as I genuinely believed he was gone. And all the emotion I felt I am sure those who encountered the story felt it too," the former seamer added. Detailing further on the series of events, Olonga wrote, "Obviously, I am extremely sorry that I took it as gospel. I then placed my own tributes, which seemed to gather a lot of traction ( amongst many tributes out there) only to get a text from Heath a few hours later in which he asked me to reverse the decision. (He has always had a great sense of humour)." You can read the post here - × WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zimbabwean seamer Henry Olonga issues public apology over false news of Heath Streak’s death

<p>Former Zimbabwe bowler Henry Olonga has refuted reports that legendary cricketer Heath Streak has&nbsp;died.&nbsp;On Wednesday (August 23),&nbsp;Olonga took to X to share a screenshot of his conversation with Streak on Whatsapp and&nbsp;confirmed that the legendary player is struggling with cancer and is still alive.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I can confirm that rumours 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. <a href="https://t.co/LQs6bcjWSB">pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB</a></p>
— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) <a href="https://twitter.com/henryolonga/status/1694212344732357101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I can confirm that rumours 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," wrote Olonga on his X handle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, reports of his death were doing the rounds on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legendary cricketer has&nbsp;been suffering from cancer and last played for the national team in 2005, before calling time on his illustrious career. He took more than 400 wickets with the international side while scoring more than 4,000 runs in a career spanning 12 years.</p>

<p>He captained Zimbabwe in 2000, at a time when a number of players withdrew from the national side as relations between the board and the team hit a rough patch.</p>

<p>In his decorated Test career, Streak played 65 matches and picked up 216 wickets with an economy of 2.69.</p>

<p>In the ODI format, Streak featured in 189 matches, scalping 239 wickets at an economy of 4.51. His best bowling figures were 5-32.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afg-vs-pak-haris-rauf-leads-pakistans-charge-in-one-sided-affair-beat-afghanistan-by-142-runs-in-hambantota-628063">AFG vs PAK: Haris Rauf leads Pakistan's charge in one-sided affair, beat Afghanistan by 142 runs in Hambantota</a></p>

<p>With the bat, Streak amassed 1,990 runs in the red-ball format, at an average of 22.4. He featured in 65 Tests for his country.</p>

<p>In ODIs, Streak aggregated 2,934 runs at a strike rate of 73.4 and an average of 28.3.</p>

<p>In 1993, Streak marked his arrival in the world of cricket with a stellar performance against Pakistan.</p>

<p>He established himself as a player to watch out for, picking up 8 wickets in only his second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seven years later, Streak was appointed as the Zimbabwe captain but he ended up resigning as the responsibilities and tension with the board over the pay started to affect his form.</p>

<p>Though he was reappointed skipper in 2002, there was increasing pressure on him to take a political stand at the height of a civilian uprising against the then regime under long-time President Robert Mugabe.</p>

<p>Streak was criticised for not taking a political stand and decided to step down as captain in 2004.</p>

<p>After hanging&nbsp;his boots in 2005, Streak returned to cricket as the captain of Warwickshire for the 2006 season after signing a two-year contract. But he ended up stepping down as skipper of the county side after just one game in the 2007 season.</p>

<p>In 2007, he signed up for the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), marking the end of his journey in international cricket.</p>

<p>Streak, however, remained connected to cricket, taking up coaching roles with Zimbabwe, Scotland, and Bangladesh, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders.</p>

<p>His legacy, however, was called into question in 2021 after he was handed an eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Anti-Corruption Code.</p>

<p>Streak maintained that he was not involved in "any match-fixing, spot-fixing, or attempts to influence a game or share information from a changeroom during a match at any given time".</p>

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Former Zimbabwe bowler Henry Olonga has refuted reports that legendary cricketer Heath Streak has died. On Wednesday (August 23), Olonga took to X to share a screenshot of his conversation with Streak on Whatsapp and confirmed that the legendary player is struggling with cancer and is still alive.

Former Zimbabwe bowler Henry Olonga has refuted reports that legendary cricketer Heath Streak has died. On Wednesday (August 23), Olonga took to X to share a screenshot of his conversation with Streak on Whatsapp and confirmed that the legendary player is struggling with cancer and is still alive. I can confirm that rumours 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. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB — Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023 × "I can confirm that rumours 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," wrote Olonga on his X handle. Earlier in the day, reports of his death were doing the rounds on social media. The legendary cricketer has been suffering from cancer and last played for the national team in 2005, before calling time on his illustrious career. He took more than 400 wickets with the international side while scoring more than 4,000 runs in a career spanning 12 years. He captained Zimbabwe in 2000, at a time when a number of players withdrew from the national side as relations between the board and the team hit a rough patch. In his decorated Test career, Streak played 65 matches and picked up 216 wickets with an economy of 2.69. In the ODI format, Streak featured in 189 matches, scalping 239 wickets at an economy of 4.51. His best bowling figures were 5-32. ALSO READ | AFG vs PAK: Haris Rauf leads Pakistan's charge in one-sided affair, beat Afghanistan by 142 runs in Hambantota With the bat, Streak amassed 1,990 runs in the red-ball format, at an average of 22.4. He featured in 65 Tests for his country. In ODIs, Streak aggregated 2,934 runs at a strike rate of 73.4 and an average of 28.3. In 1993, Streak marked his arrival in the world of cricket with a stellar performance against Pakistan. He established himself as a player to watch out for, picking up 8 wickets in only his second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Seven years later, Streak was appointed as the Zimbabwe captain but he ended up resigning as the responsibilities and tension with the board over the pay started to affect his form. Though he was reappointed skipper in 2002, there was increasing pressure on him to take a political stand at the height of a civilian uprising against the then regime under long-time President Robert Mugabe. Streak was criticised for not taking a political stand and decided to step down as captain in 2004. After hanging his boots in 2005, Streak returned to cricket as the captain of Warwickshire for the 2006 season after signing a two-year contract. But he ended up stepping down as skipper of the county side after just one game in the 2007 season. In 2007, he signed up for the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), marking the end of his journey in international cricket. Streak, however, remained connected to cricket, taking up coaching roles with Zimbabwe, Scotland, and Bangladesh, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders. His legacy, however, was called into question in 2021 after he was handed an eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Anti-Corruption Code. Streak maintained that he was not involved in "any match-fixing, spot-fixing, or attempts to influence a game or share information from a changeroom during a match at any given time". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Heath Streak isn't dead, confirms former Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga, shares chat screenshot on X

<p>Legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has called for a public apology from the source that spread the rumour of his death on Wednesday, August 23 morning. Streak, the most successful captain in Zimbabwe’s Test history, was rumoured to be dead before his former international colleague Henry Olonga confirmed the news was false. Olonga took to X (formerly Twitter) where he posted a screenshot of a conversation with Streak.</p>

<h2><strong>Streak demands apology</strong></h2>

<p>"It is a total rumour and a lie. I'm alive and well. I am very upset to learn that something as big as someone apparently passing can be spread unverified, especially in our day and age of social media", Streak was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.</p>

<p>"I believe the source should apologise. I am hurt by the news," he added.</p>

<p>The chaotic false news took the internet by storm as tributes were paid to the former player. At 49, he is struggling with cancer but is doing good despite the health issue. The false news was brought into the limelight by Olonga to shut the case of death while confirming Streak was still alive.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I can confirm that rumours 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. <a href="https://t.co/LQs6bcjWSB">pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB</a></p>
— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) <a href="https://twitter.com/henryolonga/status/1694212344732357101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I can confirm that rumours 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 wrote on his X handle, hours after he himself announced that the Zimbabwe legend was dead.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-new-boy-alexis-mac-allisters-red-card-rescinded-after-successful-appeal-628087">Premier League: Liverpool new boy Alexis Mac Allister's red card rescinded after successful appeal</a></p>

<h2><strong>Streak’s international career</strong></h2>

<p>Streak, 49, captained Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2004 in two different spells where he led them to the ODI World Cup Super Six stage in 2003. He took charge of the side in the golden era of Zimbabwe cricket where they enjoyed Test success against India and Pakistan, two powerhouses of the game. He led Zimbabwe to wins over West Indies in the limited-overs format having made his debut in 1993.</p>

<p>In a career spanning 12 years, he played 65 Test matches and scalped 216 wickets while picking up seven fifers. He had an impressive tally in ODIs as well, where he picked up 239 wickets in 189 matches. He holds a unique accolade of scalping 200 ODI wickets and scoring more than 2000 runs in the format for the national side.</p>

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Legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has called for a public apology from the source that spread the rumour of his death on Wednesday, August 23 morning. Streak, the most successful captain in Zimbabwe’s Test history, was rumoured to be dead before his former international colleague Henry Olonga confirmed the news was false.

Legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has called for a public apology from the source that spread the rumour of his death on Wednesday, August 23 morning. Streak, the most successful captain in Zimbabwe’s Test history, was rumoured to be dead before his former international colleague Henry Olonga confirmed the news was false. Olonga took to X (formerly Twitter) where he posted a screenshot of a conversation with Streak. Streak demands apology "It is a total rumour and a lie. I'm alive and well. I am very upset to learn that something as big as someone apparently passing can be spread unverified, especially in our day and age of social media", Streak was quoted as saying by Mid-Day. "I believe the source should apologise. I am hurt by the news," he added. The chaotic false news took the internet by storm as tributes were paid to the former player. At 49, he is struggling with cancer but is doing good despite the health issue. The false news was brought into the limelight by Olonga to shut the case of death while confirming Streak was still alive. I can confirm that rumours 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. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB — Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023 × "I can confirm that rumours 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 wrote on his X handle, hours after he himself announced that the Zimbabwe legend was dead. ALSO READ | Premier League: Liverpool new boy Alexis Mac Allister's red card rescinded after successful appeal Streak’s international career Streak, 49, captained Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2004 in two different spells where he led them to the ODI World Cup Super Six stage in 2003. He took charge of the side in the golden era of Zimbabwe cricket where they enjoyed Test success against India and Pakistan, two powerhouses of the game. He led Zimbabwe to wins over West Indies in the limited-overs format having made his debut in 1993. In a career spanning 12 years, he played 65 Test matches and scalped 216 wickets while picking up seven fifers. He had an impressive tally in ODIs as well, where he picked up 239 wickets in 189 matches. He holds a unique accolade of scalping 200 ODI wickets and scoring more than 2000 runs in the format for the national side. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Heath Streak breaks silence on false death rumours, says 'I am hurt, the source should apologise'

<p>The morning of Wednesday, August 23 turned out to be chaotic for cricketing fans across the globe as the news of the death of former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak surfaced on the internet. However, hours later, his former colleague&nbsp;Henry Olonga confirmed that he was still alive and was receiving treatment for cancer. Amid all the chaos, Streak became the centre of attention on social media platforms. So who exactly is Streak and why is he regarded as one of the greatest sportsmen in Zimbabwe’s history?</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Streak?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in Bulawayo, Streak had a cricketing legacy in his family as his father Denis played first-class cricket. A commendable all-rounder in his day, Streak was good with both the bat and the ball which led him to reach bigger heights for the nation. He made his debut in the domestic circuit in 1993 and the same year also saw&nbsp;him make his international debut.</p>

<p>In the 1996 Logan Cup, Heath and his father Denis scripted history as they both played in the same match against Matabeleland Country Districts. This was the first time a father and son pair played together in a single match in the Zimbabwe domestic circuit. However, the pair had to be content with a runners-up place.</p>

<p>Streak in years to come became a central figure in Zimbabwe cricket’s rise and downfall, the majority on the high-rise. He led Zimbabwe to Test wins against India and Pakistan, while also leading the side to the 2003 ODI World Cup Super Six stage. The country was embroiled in high political tensions but did see Zimbabwe achieve some monumental wins from 1997 to 2003.</p>

<p>Streak was appointed captain twice, first in 2000 and then again in 2002 to lead the side in the World Cup. He remains the most successful skipper in the Test side of the nation with four wins. He was nominated for the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2004 before he was sacked by the national side. He would return to the national side in 2005, but after a short spell saw him hang his boots for the national side.</p>

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<p>The 49-year-old announced his retirement at the age of 31, in 2005. Streak still remains the only Zimbabwe bowler with more than 100 Test and over 200 ODI wickets. He captained Zimbabwe in 2000, at a time when several players withdrew from the national side as relations between the board and the team hit a rough patch.</p>

<p>In his decorated career Streak played 65 matches and picked up 216 wickets with an economy of 2.69. In the ODI format, Streak featured in 189 matches, scalping 239 wickets at an economy of 4.51. His best bowling figures were 5-32. With the willow, Streak amassed 1,990 runs in the red-ball format, at an average of 22.4. He featured in 65 Tests for his country. In ODIs, Streak aggregated 2,934 runs at a strike rate of 73.4 and an average of 28.3.</p>

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The morning of Wednesday, August 23 turned out to be chaotic for cricketing fans across the globe as the news of the death of former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak surfaced on the internet.

The morning of Wednesday, August 23 turned out to be chaotic for cricketing fans across the globe as the news of the death of former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak surfaced on the internet. However, hours later, his former colleague Henry Olonga confirmed that he was still alive and was receiving treatment for cancer. Amid all the chaos, Streak became the centre of attention on social media platforms. So who exactly is Streak and why is he regarded as one of the greatest sportsmen in Zimbabwe’s history? Who is Streak? Born in Bulawayo, Streak had a cricketing legacy in his family as his father Denis played first-class cricket. A commendable all-rounder in his day, Streak was good with both the bat and the ball which led him to reach bigger heights for the nation. He made his debut in the domestic circuit in 1993 and the same year also saw him make his international debut. In the 1996 Logan Cup, Heath and his father Denis scripted history as they both played in the same match against Matabeleland Country Districts. This was the first time a father and son pair played together in a single match in the Zimbabwe domestic circuit. However, the pair had to be content with a runners-up place. Streak in years to come became a central figure in Zimbabwe cricket’s rise and downfall, the majority on the high-rise. He led Zimbabwe to Test wins against India and Pakistan, while also leading the side to the 2003 ODI World Cup Super Six stage. The country was embroiled in high political tensions but did see Zimbabwe achieve some monumental wins from 1997 to 2003. Streak was appointed captain twice, first in 2000 and then again in 2002 to lead the side in the World Cup. He remains the most successful skipper in the Test side of the nation with four wins. He was nominated for the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2004 before he was sacked by the national side. He would return to the national side in 2005, but after a short spell saw him hang his boots for the national side. ALSO READ | Premier League: Liverpool new boy Alexis Mac Allister's red card rescinded after successful appeal The 49-year-old announced his retirement at the age of 31, in 2005. Streak still remains the only Zimbabwe bowler with more than 100 Test and over 200 ODI wickets. He captained Zimbabwe in 2000, at a time when several players withdrew from the national side as relations between the board and the team hit a rough patch. In his decorated career Streak played 65 matches and picked up 216 wickets with an economy of 2.69. In the ODI format, Streak featured in 189 matches, scalping 239 wickets at an economy of 4.51. His best bowling figures were 5-32. With the willow, Streak amassed 1,990 runs in the red-ball format, at an average of 22.4. He featured in 65 Tests for his country. In ODIs, Streak aggregated 2,934 runs at a strike rate of 73.4 and an average of 28.3. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is former Zimbabwe cricket team captain Heath Streak?