World's number one Test bowler, India's Ravichandran Ashwin took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologize for inaccurately posting a tweet on the reported death of ex-Zimbabwe all-rounder Heath Streak. On Tuesday, hours after the former Zimbabwe captain was deemed to have died at the age of just 49 after a long battle with cancer, reports surfaced on the internet that he was 'well and alive'. Like many other fans and cricketers, Ashwin too mourned the rumored demise of the Zimbabwean as he posted a tweet (now deleted) before issuing a heartfelt apology to Heath Streak, today.
"I saw Henry Olonga’s tweet and mourned it too. It came from a place of utter disbelief and sadness. Deleted that tweet but glad to know that you are doing fine. @HeathStreak3. Take care and apologies for the inaccurate tweet from my side," Ravichandran Ashwin wrote today on messaging platform X (formerly Twitter).
It was several former teammates of Streak who had initially confirmed the shocking news of Streak's demise by posting about it on social media. Streak's former Zimbabwe teammate.
Henry Olonga, Streak's former Zimbabwe teammate, paid tribute to his friend on social media, eventually confirming the 'death rumor'.
"Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP 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 tweeted.
Zimbabwe Test skipper at present, Sean Williams also paid tribute to Streak. Hours after paying an emotional tribute to his friend, Olonga clarified that the news about Streak's death had been "greatly exaggerated."
"I can confirm that rumors 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 tweeted.