Heath Streak, the renowned Zimbabwe all-rounder and former captain, breathed his last on Tuesday after a prolonged struggle against cancer at the age of 49. He had been undergoing cancer treatment in South Africa after being diagnosed with colon and liver cancer, as indicated by close friends and loved ones.
Streak played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe cricket team during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period marked by their most prosperous phase in international cricket. His cricketing journey encompassed 65 Test matches and 189 ODIs for Zimbabwe between 1993 and 2005. Notably, he amassed 1990 runs and secured 216 wickets in Test matches, along with 2943 runs and 239 wickets in ODIs.
However, the news of his demise evoked an outpouring of emotions from the cricketing community and his fans, as they fondly recalled his legacy and extended condolences. “The Zimbabwean legend, our generation grew up watching in awe & admiration – esp those toe crushing yorkers in the death overs & his pinch hitting. He was a genuine fast bowler & great batter- who reminded of famous 4 of 80s!” remarked a user on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter.
“Sad news to wake up to. It’s crazy how some people remain tied to you from a distant event in your childhood. RIP Heath Streak,” expressed another.
Simultaneously, several of his teammates took to ‘X’ to share the news of his demise. “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,” said Henry Olonga, former Zimbabwe fast bowler and Streak’s long-time teammate.
According to reports, his health condition deteriorated notably in May, leading his family to promptly admit him to the hospital. Back then, his family released a statement to the media. “He remains in good spirits and will continue to fight this disease in a similar vein to that which his opponents faced during his revered days on the cricket field,” they communicated. And indeed, he did uphold that spirit!