In this article, we will discuss the Zimbabwean fast bowler Heath Streak, who was born today in 1974 the finest times that Zimbabwe cricket has ever witnessed. Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak was born on this day in 1974 in Bulawayo. He passed away last year due to advanced liver and colon cancer, leaving a huge void to fill in Zimbabwe cricket. His had a brilliant career that saw some of the finest times that Zimbabwe cricket has ever witnessed.
The charismatic all-rounder made his international debut in 1993 against South Africa in an ODI game in Bengaluru. A month later he also got his maiden Test cap. Streak played his first Test match against Pakistan in Karachi. Making his debut in both Test and ODI cricket on tough away tours like India and Pakistan is a testimony to the fact that Heath Streak was one of the brightest prospects for Zimbabwe in those times. From there he cemented his place in the squad in both formats of the game. He was important for Zimbabwe not just for his bowling skills but for his handy batting skills as well. His all-round profile made him a certainty in the playing XI.
Captain and Leader
Heath Streak’s value amplified with time. His consistent performances with both ball and bat made him the most important player in the squad. With the progress in time, he matured into a leader and was handed over the responsibilities of captaincy as well.
Heath Streak represented Zimbabwe for more than a decade, playing 65 Test matches and 189 ODIs. In Tests, he picked up 216 wickets at an impressive average of 28.14. With the bat, he had 1990 runs in his account and the all-rounder also had a century to his name in the longest format. Whereas, in the ODI format he registered 239 wickets at an effective average of 29.82. His batting stats were much better in the white-ball format. In 189 ODIs he scored 2943 runs at 28.29 with 13 half-centuries. These numbers reflect that he was one of the best all-rounders of his generation and an absolute match-winner for his country. He will always be remembered as one of the symbols of the golden generation of Zimbabwe cricket.