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Heath Streak

Heath Streak , Bangladesh cricket team 2015-04-24 (PID-0059788) (cropped)
Heath Streak , Bangladesh cricket team 2015-04-24 (PID-0059788) (cropped) Image: Wikimedia Commons. Press Information Department / Public domain

Heath Hilton Streak (16 March 1974 – 3 September 2023) was a Zimbabwean cricketer and cricket coach who played for and captained the Zimbabwe national cricket team. A right-arm fast-medium bowler and capable lower-order batsman, he was the most successful bowler in Zimbabwe's Test and One Day International history.

Key facts

Full name Heath Hilton Streak
Born 16 March 1974
Died 3 September 2023
Nationality Zimbabwean
Role Cricketer (bowler) and cricket coach
National team Zimbabwe
Test wickets 216 (Zimbabwe record)
ODI wickets 239 (Zimbabwe record)
Test five-wicket hauls 7 (Zimbabwe record)

Background

Streak was a leading figure in Zimbabwean cricket during the country's most competitive period on the international stage. He was part of what is widely described as the "golden era" of Zimbabwe cricket, between 1997 and 2002, when the side was a regular and credible competitor in Test and ODI cricket.

Playing career

Streak played for and captained the Zimbabwe national cricket team. He emerged as the country's most prolific bowler across formats:

  • All-time leading wicket taker for Zimbabwe in Test cricket with 216 wickets.
  • All-time leading wicket taker for Zimbabwe in ODI cricket with 239 wickets.
  • The only Zimbabwean cricketer to have taken over 100 Test wickets.
  • The only Zimbabwean cricketer to have completed the ODI double of 2,000 runs and 200 wickets.
  • One of only four Zimbabwean bowlers to have taken over 100 ODI wickets.
  • Holder of the record for the most five-wicket hauls by a Zimbabwean in Tests, with seven such instances.

Coaching career and disputes

After his playing career, Streak worked as a cricket coach. His relationship with Zimbabwe Cricket soured on several occasions during both his international playing career and his subsequent coaching career. In September 2018, he submitted an application to the court seeking to have Zimbabwe Cricket liquidated in connection with outstanding debts.

ICC ban

In April 2021, Streak was handed an eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption.

Significance

Streak is regarded as one of the most important cricketers Zimbabwe has produced. His wicket-taking records in both Test and ODI cricket place him at the head of the country's bowling history, and his all-round contribution made him central to Zimbabwe's most competitive period in international cricket.

References