Former Zimbabwe cricket star Heath Streak battling cancer, undergoing treatment in SA

Former Zimbabwe cricket star Heath Streak is battling cancer.

"Heath has cancer and is undergoing treatment under one of the most respected oncologists in South Africa," Streak's family said in a statement. "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 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."

Streak, 49, played 65 Tests and 189 ODIs for Zimbabwe between 1993 and 2005.

The fast bowler took 216 Test wickets at an average of 28.14 and scored 1990 runs at 22.35. In ODIs, Streak took 239 wickets at 29.82 and scored 2 943 runs at 28.29.

Sean Williams, a current Zimbabwe cricketer and a close friend of Streak, told the Cricbuzz website: "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 okay."

After retiring as a player, Streak had several roles in Zimbabwe's cricket structures and also served as bowling coach of Bangladesh, Kolkata Knight Riders and Somerset.