Heath Streak(1974-2023)
By Tinashe Javangwe
Former Zimbabwe cricket captain and coach, Heath Hilton Streak has died.
He was 49.
Streak died at his Turk Mine farm in Matebeland North in the early hours of Sunday morning after a long battle with colon and liver cancer.
Announcing Streak’s death on Facebook, his wife Nadine Streak said Streak died at his home where he wished to spend his last days surrounded by his family and closest loved ones.
“In the early hours of this morning, Sunday the 3rd of September 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,” read the post.
Born in Bulawayo in 1974, Streak wrote an impressive piece of history between 1993 and 2005, becoming one of the finest all rounders who immensely contributed to the collective success of the Zimbabwe Cricket.
He was appointed Zimbabwe captain in 2000 and served at that post until 2004. Over the course of his illustrious career, he played 65 Test matches and 189 ODIs. Streak’s remarkable achievement lies in being the sole Zimbabwean cricketer to claim 100 Test wickets, a testament to his bowling brilliance. During his 12-year career, he often bore the weight of Zimbabwe’s bowling department singlehandedly.
While primarily recognised for his bowling prowess, Streak showcased his batting abilities in the middle-order for Zimbabwe. His batting statistics include 1990 runs in Test matches and 2943 runs in ODIs.
Notably, he achieved a Test century (127 runs) against the West Indies in Harare, marking a memorable milestone as it was his first and only century in the longest format of the game.
He remains the only Zimbabwe bowler with more than 100 Test and over 200 ODI wickets.
The 49-year-old cricketer announced his retirement at the age of 31, in 2005 and served in England and India before going into coaching in 2007.
In his coaching career, Streak’s coached Zimbabwe, Scotland, Bangladesh, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Condolences are pouring for the legend.
Henry Olonga, who had started the rumour of Streak’s death with an unconfirmed post and later apologised with a clarification, wrote on X: “RIP Streaky.”
Former Member of Parliament for Norton, Temba Mlisa wrote: “Howzat?! A great innings! Life has its ups&downs but Heath Streak will always be known as a sporting legend. A phenomenal all round athlete, the fluent Ndebele speaking wizard on the pitch was a People’s Hero. A great loss to his family, Matabeleland & Zim MHDSRIEP Go well Buddy.”
