Amid tributes from teammates following his 'demise', Olonga confirms Heath Streak is alive

In what could be defined as a major cause of the spread of wrong information, Heath Streak was pronounced dead by his former teammate Henry Olonga, and current Zimbabwe skipper Sean Williams. Later Olonga came up with the development and stated that Streak is alive and healthy. 

Confusion breaks out over Heath Streak's health

What was reported earlier by his teammate Henry Olonga that Heath Streak has passed away at 49 after battling cancer.

Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP @ZimCricketv legend. The greatest all rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you. See you on the other side when my bowling spell comes to an end...😔

— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 22, 2023

But just after a few hours, Olonga came up with another tweet that Heath Streak is very much alive. 

I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB

— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023

It was not just Henry Olonga, but other members of the cricket fraternity also paid tributes to Zimbabwe's legendary all-rounder after the news of his demise spread. 

Streaky 🥲
No words can explain what you and your family have done for mine and many others
Our hearts our broken you leave behind a beautiful family and a legacy for us to live up to!
You will be missed we love you dearly
Rest in peace streaky 💔 pic.twitter.com/2sXz4WNqu7

— Sean Williams (@sean14williams) August 22, 2023

Heath Streak is no more. Sad!! Really sad. #RIP

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 23, 2023

RIP Heath Streak. You were one of the finest Zimbabwean cricketers ever. The cricket world will miss you #HeathStreak pic.twitter.com/QagK6M4ZeK

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 23, 2023

Heath Streak's career highlights

Born in Bulawayo, Heath Streak made his Test and ODI debut at the age of 19, in 2003. He used to feature regularly on the side in his career span of over a decade. He played 189 ODIs and 65 Test matches for Zimbabwe and continues to be the leading wicket-taker of his country. He took 216 wickets in Tests and  239 in ODIs. He has a Test century to his name and a total of 8-five wicket hauls across formats. As the captain of the side, he created history by becoming the first Zim captain to lead his side to a Test series victory overseas. Under him, Zimbabwe secured a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in 2001.