Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak passes away at 49

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak passed away passed away on Sunday.

He was 49.

Heath Streak’s wife, Nadine Streak, has posted a heartfelt tribute on her facebook account, in memory of her husband.

“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,” Nandine Streak wrote.

“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.”

Streak has played 65 Tests and 189 ODIs for Zimbabwe between 1993 and 2005. he ended with 216 wickets in Tests and 239 in ODIs.

Streak was the captain of Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2004. In 68 ODIs as captain, he led Zimbabwe to win in 18 and lost 47 while three finished without any result. In 21 Tests, Streak captained Zimbabwe to wins in four while they lost 11 and drew six.

Heath Streak was the first Zimbabwe cricketer to claim 100 wickets in Tests and ODIs. He is also the only cricketer from Zimbabwe to achieving the elusive feat of taking 100 Test wickets and scoring 1000 Test runs. Streak was also the only cricketer from his country to score 2000 runs and bag 200 wickets in the ODIs.

Post his retirement, he has coached several international sides such as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. He was also associated with Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders.

In 2021, he was given an eight-year ban from all cricket-related activities by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his involvement in corrupt practices.