HARARE - Fomer Zimbabwe bowling coach Heath Streak says compatriot Grant Flower’s defection to Pakistan to take up the same role does not surprise him, revealing that the ex-Test opener confided with him that he “was tired” of Zimbabwe Cricket.
Flower, 43, was this week appointed new Pakistan batting coach on a two-year contract, joining a reshuffled backroom staff for the Asian side.
And former Zimbabwe captain Streak, who now runs an academy in his hometown of Bulawayo, says he saw Flower’s decision to apply for a new job coming.
“Generally, considering how people have been treated in the past year and half, I wasn’t really surprised that Grant took up an offer elsewhere,” Streak told the Daily News yesterday.
Streak and Flower, former Zimbabwe international teammates, later worked together in the team’s coaching department but Streak was later relieved of his duties as bowling coach after his contract was not renewed.
In recent times, ZC has also lost long-serving physiotherapist Amato Machikicho and fitness trainer Lorraine Chivandire, who both resigned.
And now the departure of Flower after four years in that role has brought the situation at ZC under the spotlight again.
“This past year seems to have been a bad one for him (Flower), spending less time in the nets because of the boycott by players. He said to me that he was tired,” added Streak.
“I am however happy for Grant for receiving such recognition; he’s an honest, hardworking guy and I’m confident that he will show the world what he has got rolled up in his sleeves. Unfortunately, it’s a massive setback for Zimbabwe because it’s going to be very difficult to replace the commitment and passion Grant had for the national side.”