Former Zimbabwe fast bowler Heath Streak's demise appears to have been exaggerated, as a former teammate took to social media to rubbish reports of his death on Wednesday.
Streak was reported to have died after a battle with cancer at the age of 49.
Tributes flowed for Streak, who played 65 tests for Zimbabwe, taking 216 wickets in the nation's golden era.
Former teammate Henry Olonga was one to post tributes to Streak after his apparent death.
However, Olonga later took to Twitter, posting a WhatsApp screenshot of a conversation with Streak, appearing to contradict claims of his death.
"I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated," Olonga posted.
"I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks."
Streak played a key role in leading Zimbabwe to their first away series win in 2001, blasting 79 runs off 67 balls in the decisive match at Eden Park to beat the Blackcaps 2-1.
After playing his final international in 2005, Streak transitioned into coaching. He spent two stints as Zimbabwe's national coach (2009-13, 2016-18) and also worked as a bowling coach with the IPL's Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018.
In 2021, he received an eight-year ban for breaching cricket's anti-corruption coach while in charge of the national team and as an assistant in the IPL.
