Zimbabwe have paid tribute to their former cricket captain and coach Heath Streak after his death at the age of 49.
Streak had been suffering from colon cancer and his wife Nadine wrote on Facebook on Sunday morning that he had been “carried to be with the angels”.
A post on Zimbabwe’s official Twitter account read: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of former (Zimbabwe) captain Heath Streak.
“His contributions to cricket will always be remembered, and he will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.”
Streak is Zimbabwe’s record wicket-taker in both Test cricket – with 216, the only Zimbabwean to even reach three figures – and one-day internationals with 237 scalps, again more than 100 clear of the field.
He took seven five-wicket Test hauls and another in a 1997 ODI against India.
He also still stands seventh in their list of Test run-scorers with 1,990.
He was named captain in 2000 but resigned initially a year later and then again in 2004 as both cricketing and political issues plagued the national team.
He took over as Zimbabwe’s head coach in 2016 but was sacked two years later after they missed out on World Cup qualification.
In 2021, Streak was banned from cricket for eight years after admitting five breaches of the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption code.
Nadine Streak’s Facebook post read: “In the early hours of this morning, Sunday September 3 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.”
Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders, with whom Streak had a coaching role late in his career, wrote: “A sad day for the cricket fraternity. Rest in peace, Heath Streak.”
He also had coaching stints with Scotland and Somerset.
Former Zimbabwe teammate Henry Olonga wrote on Facebook: “RIP Streaky. You were a titan”.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I remember Streak playing on to a Lee no-ball at the WACA but continued to make 71 n.o. Stubborn batsman and gave the Aussies a serve before the Tests. Hayden's 380 I also remember... Vale Heath
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yep. I was at the Harare Sports Club when NZ played a test. Danny Morrison steaming in from one end stinking very badly like sour ouzo...then Heath The Streak next innings! Gees Danny looked crook from the late nite hospitality!!
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Poor guy, very young. I remember watching him steam in during a one dayer at the scg. Great player
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
A sad day. Always a true competitor.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Vale old mate. Off to a better place. As some of you may know I spent a year in Zimbabwe many years ago. One of my best friends kept to him AND his dad in the same innings. It's a truly sad loss, but it awaits us all one at a time. Feeling rather sad for Nadine and the kids.