Matabeleland: Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak died at his farm in Matabeleland in Zimbabwe yesterday morning at the age of 49, his family confirmed on social media. The 49-year-old died after long battle with cancer.

Nadine Streak, the wife of Heath Streak, wrote, “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. 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 represented Zimbabwe in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs, scoring 1990 and 2,943 runs, respectively. He also picked 216 wickets in Test cricket and 239 in ODIs and happens to be Zimbabwe’s all-time highest wicket-taker in both formats. Heath Streak was the first Zimbabwe cricketer to claim 100 wickets in Tests and ODIs. He was also the only cricketer from Zimbabwe to achieving the elusive feat of taking 100 Test wickets and scoring 1,000 Test runs. Streak was also the only cricketer from his country to score 2,000 runs and bag 200 wickets in the ODIs.

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