In May this year it was announced that Streak was gravely ill – and in August it was reported that he had died following a message on social media from former teammate Henry Olonga.
Streak himself was quick to claim that he was still alive, but not before numerous tributes from former teammates and opponents.
A fast bowler with a strong frame, capable of gaining movement from helpful pitches, Streak took 236 wickets at an average of 28.14 in 65 Test matches.
No other Zimbabwean has taken more than 80 Test wickets.
He scored 1,990 runs in Tests at an average of 22.35 and is seventh in the country’s all-time list. His highest score and only century was 127 not out against the West Indies at Harare in 2003.
The streak took 237 wickets – 104 more than his nearest rival – and scored 2,901 runs in 187 One Day Internationals.
He often fought almost single-handedly for his downtrodden nation against powerful opponents.
His best Test bowling performance was typical. He took six for 73 as India posted a total of 366, winning by 10 wickets in Harare in 2005.