Countering his own revelation of Zimbabwe legend Heath Streak’s demise, his former teammate Henry Olonga claimed that the iconic cricketer is alive. In a fresh tweet on Wednesday, Olonga said that the news of Streak’s death was only a rumour. After posting the news of the former Zimbabwe captain being alive, Olonga deleted his earlier tweet saying Streak had died. A number of Zimbabwe and other international cricketers had taken to X (formerly Twitter) after the news of Streak’s demise emerged. However, Olonga’s u-turn on the matter left everyone confused.
“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,” Olonga’s new tweet read.
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
Streak is one of the most decorated cricketers of his time, representing Zimbabwe in 65 Tests, 189 ODIs while scoring 4933 runs and taking 455 wickets for his country across formats. Streak, till date, remains the only player from Zimbabwe with a double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests and 2000 runs and 200 wickets in ODIs. A number of his records still inspire cricketers, not just in Zimbabwe but across the world.
Streak, who was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer, saw his condition deteriorate in May, prompting his family to hospitalise him immediately. Some of his teammates took to X (formerly) Twitter to post the news of his demise. Former Zimbabwe pacer Henry Olonga earlier took to ‘X’ to share the news.
“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…,” Olonga posted.
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
Another Zimbabwe cricketer Sean Williams had condoled the death of Streak, saying his heart was broken.
“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,” he wrote.
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
Streak’s family had earlier confirmed that he was battling cancer and undergoing treatment.
“Heath has cancer and is undergoing treatment under one of the most respected oncologists in South Africa,” his family said in a statement at the time.
“He remains in good spirits and will continue to fight this disease in a similar vein to that which his opponents faced during his revered days on the cricket field.”
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