Former Zimbabwe great Heath Streak has been diagnosed with cancer in the colon and liver. The whole of the nation is praying for the former Zimbabwe captain who is struggling with his health after he was told that he has cancer.
"Heath Streak is on his last legs. Family en route to South Africa from the UK. Seems only a miracle will save him now. Prayers up (sic)," the country's Sports Minister stated on Twitter.
Even Streak’s family came up with a statement once the news was made public. "Heath has cancer and is undergoing treatment under one of the most respected Oncologists in South Africa. 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," the family said.
"The family hopes that you understand and respect their wish for this to remain a private family matter, and thank you for your prayers and good wishes. There will be no further official statements regarding his health at this time. Any news that becomes public should be regarded as rumour."
Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams also confirmed the news and disclosed that he got a follow up from Streak. In a chat with Cricbuzz, he said, "Heath has colon and liver cancer (Stage 4). All I know at this stage is Heath's immediate family was called to go to him in South Africa and I am not sure on any details thereof. I did message Heath and he did respond but I'm sure at this stage the family will want privacy. It sounds like the cancer is spreading pretty quick cause last week he was fishing. Heath is my mentor and did a lot of good things for a lot of people and basically saved my life and career. We just pray he will be ok”.
Talking about Streak’s cricketing career, he is considered one of the best players to have played the game for Zimbabwe. He took part in a total of 65 Tests and made 1990 runs and picked up 216 wickets in the red-ball format.
In a total of 189 ODIs, Heath has scored 2943 runs and took 239 batsmen. The 49-year-old took up the role of a coach and worked with Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders alongside Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the international level.