WATCH: Known for memorable cricket rivalries with Sachin Tendukar, Henry Olonga turns painter in Adelaide

Former Zimbabwe pacer Henry Olonga who last played an international game in 2003, has gone on to explore different career options. From being an avid musician to being an author, and then an activist, has now added another creative exploration to his repertoire. In his latest exploration, the pacer has become an hourly-based painter.

Notably, the former Zimbabwe legend who once shared a dressing room with Andy Flower, was seen painting on an hourly basis at the Adelaide oval during the second Test aka pink-ball Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). In fact, in a recent video which is spreading like wildfire in the social media domain, Olonga took to his 'x' handle and posted a video where he can be seen informing his fans about his latest hobby.

After leaving Zimbabwe, Olonga spent over a decade in England before settling in Australia in 2015. From singing and painting to coaching and umpiring, Olonga has worn various hats. On weekends, he officiates local cricket matches, often surprising players who later recognize the former international star. Interestingly he featured in the famous TV series 'The Voice Australia' in 2019 and performed 'This Is the Moment' by Anthony Warlow.

For the unversed, Henry Olonga burst onto the cricket scene in 1995, with his iconic dreadlocks and expressive celebrations that made him a standout. During the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup which was played at the iconic venue of Sharjah, he dismissed the former India batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar, cheaply in a group match.

However, Tendulkar took sweet revenge in the final, hammering an unbeaten 124 off 92 balls, leaving Olonga without answers. Olonga’s sporting career came to an abrupt end during the 2003 World Cup. Alongside teammate Andy Flower, he donned a black armband to protest the iniquity of Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe. Besides, while lamenting about feeling like an outsider during his cricketing days, he revealed that he was married to an Australian lady and also has kids and loves the Kangaroo nation.

"I was born in Zambia and had a Kenyan father and I felt even when I played for Zimbabwe I was considered an outsider. I love Australia. I am married to an Australian wife and I have got two children. A lot of Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis play and much later they get to know who I am,” Olonga was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

"I always had that soft side and I never saw it as different or odd. I always liked the variety. I get bored doing one thing,” he further added.

Check out Henry Olonga's latest post while Painting here:

At the India vs Aus test in the Village to memorialise the Adelaide pink test in a painting. It's gonna be rockin here pic.twitter.com/5ObyU2d7wt

— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) December 6, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah is the best bowler: Henry Olonga

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing BGT 2024-25, Olonga who was present in Adelaide and seemingly enjoyed the Australia versus India pink ball Test match further revealed that he was fond of the fiery Indian pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Moreover, he went on to compare him to none other than the former Pakistan pace legend, Wasim Akram.

Also Read: Ben Curran named in Zimbabwe's ODI squad for series against Afghanistan

“They are amazing. (Jasprit) Bumrah is the best bowler, has got a bit of hyper-extension, which gives him a crack. He reminds me of Wasim (Akram) of the short run-up,” Olonga concluded.