Heath Streak death rumours a hoax: Former Zimbabwe captain, all-rounder alive

Reports of former Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak passing have turned out to be hoax. Firstpost can confirm that the 49-year-old is alive and well. Earlier, media reports, instigated by former Zimbabwe bowler Henry Olonga’s social media post, had said Streak had died. Olonga, Streak’s bowling partner at one point, also confirmed the development. Henry hared a screenshot on X, formerly Twitter, of a conversation with the former Zimbabwe captain: “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.” In the text exchange, Streak told Olonga: “Very much alive.. pse [please] revert this runout immediately buddy.” To which fast bowler Olonga replied: “Ha ha. So good to hear. This thing grew legs quickly. You died overnight brother.”

Incidentally, it was Olonga who had broken the news of Streak’s demise on social media. “Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP 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,” he had written in a post on X. That post has now been removed. Streak, one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers and captain between 2000 and 2004, played 65 Test matches and 189 ODIs. He remains the only player from his country to take 100 Test wickets. He often carried the bowling effort singlehandedly for Zimbabwe during a 12-year cricketing career. Mainly known for his bowling contribution, Streak was handy with the bat in Zimbabwe’s middle order. He tallied 1990 Test runs and 2943 ODI runs through his career. He scored a Test century (127*) against the West Indies in Harare - it was his first and only ton in the longest format. After making a debut against Pakistan in 1993, Streak almost immediately made his contribution tell with eight wickets in the second Test in Rawalpindi. The all-rounder retired in 2005 to lead Warwickshire in the English county but his tenure was cut short due to personal form issues. He then went on to play the now defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007, effectively bringing his career to a close. Streak’s coaching career saw him take roles with Zimbabwe, Scotland, Bangladesh, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, his legacy was affected when he was banned for eight years by the ICC for anti-corruption breaches. The punishment was handed down in 2021 and covered his stint as coach of Zimbabwe, KKR in the IPL and Kabul Zwanan in Afghanistan Premier League.