Aussie cricketer Cameron Green shares secret irreversible health battle
His rise through the Australian cricket ranks has been rapid and Cameron Green has revealed he’s done it all with a serious health issue.
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Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has opened up on a lifelong health battle revealing he’s living with an irreversible kidney condition.
The 24-year-old, who missed selection in the opening Test against Pakistan in his home town of Perth, detailed the issues he’s been facing since he was born and the impact they have on his cricket.
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Green, who has played for Australia in all-three forms and remains a mainstay of the Test squad having made a century and taken a five-wicket haul over the past 12 months, was diagnosed with the kidney issue as a baby.
In an interview with Channel 7 aired during the lunch break on the opening day, he said symptoms of his condition include a predisposition to cramping, an issue which has arisen during his fledgling international career.
“Chronic Kidney Disease is basically a progressive disease of your kidney’s health function. Unfortunately, mine doesn’t filter the blood as well as other kidneys. They’re at about 60 per cent at the moment which is Stage 2,” Green said.
“There was definitely one time up in Cairns, playing Australia versus New Zealand, I think it was pretty well documented that I had a pretty long day of bowling and a pretty long bat as well, and then had a cramping episode.
Cameron Green has chronic kidney disease.
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 14, 2023
There are five stages to it, with the fifth stage requiring a transplant or dialysis.
This is how Green - currently at stage two - manages the condition every day... pic.twitter.com/ikbIntapdy
“It took me a long time to realise that it was probably my kidney function that was affecting my cramping.
“I always thought I didn’t drink enough, didn’t eat enough, didn’t look after myself during the game as well as I could have, but I think over time I realised that I was doing absolutely everything right, but I was still cramping, unfortunately.”
Green said he had gradually informed teammates of his situation and it was something he had to manage throughout his international travels having toured England, India and South Africa this year.
“I have told a few guys in the cricket world, the coaching staff, are all over it,” Green said.
“I think, all the guys in the Aussie cricket team, I’ve told. After a few cramping episodes, I probably had to come off and tell them that it’s probably more than not being professional enough because I knew in the background I was eating and drinking as much as I could to give myself the best chance.”
Originally published as Aussie cricketer Cameron Green shares secret irreversible health battle
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