Zimbabwe Cricketer Heath Streak Passes Away At 49

Streak played a significant role in the Zimbabwean teams that competed against the major cricketing nations in the late 1990s and early 2000s

Zimbabwe Cricketer Heath Streak Passes Away At 49

In her blog post, Nadine Streak said, "In the early hours of this morning, Sunday, September 3, the greatest love of my life and the father of my lovely children, was brought to be with the angels from his house, where he desired to spend his final days surrounded by his family and closest loved ones."

Streak was a skilled batter and a great fast bowler. He played a significant role in the Zimbabwean teams that competed against the major cricketing nations in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

However, his cricket career came to an unfortunate end when the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended him for eight years for violating their anti-corruption policy.

Streak's terrible illness was revealed in May of this year, and after receiving a message on social media from his old teammate Henry Olonga, it was revealed that he had passed away in August.

Streak quickly declared his own survival, but not before receiving countless tributes from his old teammates and rivals.

Streak was a powerful fast bowler who could generate movement on unfavorable surfaces. In 65 Test matches, he collected 236 wickets at an average of 28.14.

Over 80 Test wickets have never been taken by another Zimbabwean.

He scored 1,990 runs at an average of 22.35 in Tests, placing him sixth all-time in the nation. His 127 not out against the West Indies in Harare in 2003 stands as both his best score and only century.

Streak played in 187 one-day internationals, took 237 wickets—104 more than his closest competitor—and scored 2,901 runs.

He frequently engaged in near-lone combat for his weak homeland against strong adversaries.

It was characteristic of his finest Test bowling performance. In 2005, India amassed a score of 366 and won by 10 wickets in Harare, thanks in large part to his six for 73.

Streak had two spells as Zimbabwe captain, interrupted by a dispute with Zimbabwe Cricket in 2001 over pay and racial quota issues.