Tributes paid to former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak after his death aged 49
Streak is Zimbabwe’s record wicket-taker in both Test cricket and one-day internationals.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Zimbabwe have paid tribute to their former 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 over 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 team-mate Henry Olonga wrote on Facebook: “RIP Streaky. You were a titan”