Local Cricket Team Bowled Over by Zimbabwe Cricketer Heath Streak’s Presence
Karavali Cricket Academy Team Bowled Over by Zimbabwe Cricketer Heath Streak’s Presence
Mangaluru: He Came, He saw, He conquered…the hearts of Team Players of Karavali Cricket Academy, and also other cricket enthusiasts who had gathered at the University college-Mangaluru sports ground to have close encounters with one of the Former World’s Fastest Bowler in Cricket history – and we are talking about Zimbabwean cricket legend and former Captain Heath Streak, currently coach of the IPL Kolkota Knight Riders who made his First appearance to Mangaluru, today, 4 April, 2018.
Heath Streak was also joined by Mangalorean origin Joseph Rego, who is Streak’s long time friend and who is the country’s most celebrated International Cricket Consultant and a widely known figure in the global cricketing fraternity is also the CEO & Executive Director of the Heath Streak Multi-Sports Institutions in Zimbabwe. The welcome address was delivered by Henry D’souza- Spokesperson for Karavali Cricket Academy-Mangaluru, where he extended a warm welcome to Heath Streak and Joseph Rego with bouquet of flowers. Other dignitaries on the dais were Dr Udaya Kumar-Principal of University College-Mangaluru; and Santhosh Misquith- the CEO/GM/Coach of Karavali Cricket Academy.
Addressing the audience, Joseph Rego said, ” I am happy to be back in my hometown, and this time I am overwhelmed that Heath Streak has joined me, who will join me in visiting my ailing mother {Mariola Philomena Rego} at my house in Mangaluru. We will also visit the city’s renowned Architects, twin brothers-Peter and Paul Mascarenhas, and this time Streak’s visit to City is being hosted by entrepreneur, Helen Alvares at her River roost Resort in Sabarabail/Moodushedde near Vamanjoor. I am happy to young and budding cricketers here who are so enthusiastic and energetic to learn cricket. I remember few years ago, the local Mangalorean Team had defeated the Zimbabwe cricket team. And I am happy to announce that in December 2018, once again Zimbabwean Cricket Academy Team will play a match against Karavali Cricket Academy team, and others, in the under 16 category. Like Sachin Tendulkar is famous in India, Heath Streak is famous in Zimbabwe. “.
Also speaking on the occasion, Heath Streak said, ” I am extremely happy to see a bunch of young cricketers here, since I love youngsters taking up cricket sport. I love India, the people are friendly, and courteous, and I am sure that during my couple of days in this coastal town, where my buddy Joseph Rego originates from, I will cherish fond memories of this picturesque city. I will be also looking forward to come back in the month of December 2018, to play a match between Karavali Cricket Academy Team and my Zimbabwe cricket team- I bet that will be a great cricket match to watch here. Thanks once gain for the kind welcome and generous hospitality. “
Heath Streak then posed for a few group snaps, and a bunch of selfies, including young girls begging for selfies. Heath also autographed a few tiny cricket bats of the young cricket players, thereby bringing miles of smiles on their faces.
ABOUT ZIMBABWEAN CRICKETER HEATH STREAK:
Heath Hilton Streak (born 16 March 1974) is a former Zimbabwean cricketer, and a former Test and ODI captain. By his statistical record, he is the best bowler to have played for Zimbabwe. He is the only Zimbabwean bowler to have taken over 100 Test wickets and one of only 4 Zimbabwean bowlers to have taken over 100 ODI wickets (the others being Grant Flower, Prosper Utseya & Ray Price). He is currently the head coach of Zimbabwe national cricket team and the bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
A lion-hearted fast bowler with immense stamina and strength, Heath Streak had the ability to bowl out swing at good pace and with excellent control and ranked among the top three bowlers in the world during his era back in the 90’s and early 2000. He was the first Zimbabwean to reach 100 test wickets. Streak was also an extremely capable batsman who loved to give the ball a whack over the infield, and a magnificent outfielder with a howitzer-like throw. Streak is currently ranked as one of the best cricket coaches in the world.
In 1995/96, Streak played in the same Matabeleland team as his 46-year-old father Denis in the final of the Lonrho Logan Cup against Mashonaland Country Districts; this was the first instance of a father and son playing in the same first-class match for more than thirty years. On 25 April 2007, Streak resigned as Warwickshire captain, saying captaining the side was affecting his on-field abilities. He was replaced as captain by Darren Maddy. At the end of the 2007 season he left Warwickshire citing family reasons.
At the end of the year of 2007, he joined the Ahmedabad Rockets in the Indian Cricket League. He played two seasons in the ICL along with appearing in the Hong Kong sixes. In 2009, he cut his ties with ICL, and in that August was appointed as the bowling coach of Zimbabwean national team. He was also given the responsibility of working with the young Zimbabwean fast bowlers and for franchise cricket.
Streak made his Test debut in Zimbabwe’s tour of Pakistan 1993/1994 making his mark by taking 8 wickets in the 2nd Test at Rawalpindi ( 9–14 December 1993). In the match, Streak won the Player of the series award, took 22 wickets at an average of 13.54. He bettered his best bowling figures in 1995 when Pakistan toured Zimbabwe taking 6/90 in the first Test at Harare. In 2000/2001, he won 2-man of the series awards, first in Zimbabwe’s tour of England and then in Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe. He along with Andy Flower set the record for the highest 7th wicket partnership for Zimbabwe in ODIs(130)
Streak retired from international cricket in October 2005 to become captain of Warwickshire County Cricket Club having previously played county cricket for Hampshire. He also captains his fellow exiled players from Zimbabwe in the Red Lions team, which plays charity games in England. In August 2009, was appointed as the bowling coach of Zimbabwean cricket national team. He was also given the responsibility of working with the young Zimbabwean fast bowlers and for franchise cricket.
Later it also appeared that Heath Streak is the most possible candidate for the head coach job of Zimbabwean national team when the contract of Walter Chwaguta ends. It is believed that Walter Chwaguta will be Streak’s assistant coach. In 2010 along with his former teammate Grant Flower, he joined as supporting coach of Zimbabwe under former English cricketer Alan Butcher. Flower became batting coach and Streak was named as bowling coach.
In 2013, Streak contract was not renewed for financial reasons. Zimbabwe Cricket had offered Streak a consultancy role but they cannot guarantee him a set number of working days or specific pay which has forced him to stay out of the preparations for Bangladesh series. Finances permitting at his franchise in Bulawayo, the MatabelelandTuskers, he remained coach there. He was appointed Bangladesh’s bowling coach in May 2014 until 2016.
In October 2016, he was appointed Head Coach of the Zimbabwe cricket team. Streak has been tasked with ensuring Zimbabwe qualify for the 2019 World Cup, and will be allowed to continue in his role as bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.