Zimbabwean Cricket Legend Heath Streak Dispels Death Rumors, Confirms 'He is Alive'

Rozana Spokesman  | Amanat Thaper

Sports

Heath Streak's former teammate & fellow countryman, Henry Olonga, Refuted the Reports

Heath Streak

The Cricket World was sent into a whirlwind of confusion and grief when news emerged early this morning, suggesting the passing of renowned Zimbabwean cricketer Heath Streak. However, relief and disbelief followed just hours later as Streak's former teammate and fellow countryman, Henry Olonga, promptly refuted the reports.

Heath Streak, a former all-rounder for Zimbabwe, has been battling cancer and undergoing treatment in South Africa. The misleading news of his sudden demise triggered an outpouring of sorrow among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. But Henry Olonga, who played alongside Streak during their cricketing careers, took to social media to dispel the rumors.

In a tweet that assuaged the fears of fans, Olonga stated, "I can confirm that the rumors of Heath Streak's death have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called them back. He is absolutely alive.”

Heath Streak, at 49 years old, boasts a remarkable cricketing journey that spans over a decade. His contribution to the sport includes 65 Test matches and 189 One Day Internationals (ODIs) played for Zimbabwe, spanning from 1993 to 2005. Throughout his international career, Streak displayed his prowess both with the bat and the ball, amassing a total of 4,933 runs and capturing 455 wickets across both formats.

Retiring in 2005 at the age of 31, Streak left an indelible mark on Zimbabwean cricket. His leadership capabilities were demonstrated when he captained the national team in the year 2000. Remarkably, Streak remains the sole Zimbabwean bowler to have achieved the distinction of securing over 100 Test wickets and 200 ODI wickets, underscoring his exceptional skills and dedication to the game.