Australian all-rounder Cameron Green revealed that he was born with chronic kidney disease but has been able to manage the issues throughout his professional cricketing career. He was left out of Australia’s XI for the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth.
Cameron Green in an interview with 7Cricket opened up on the irreversible kidney disease. He revealed that at one stage had a life expectancy of just 12. He also added that his parents came to know about it when he was born. The Australian cricketer has been dealing with the disease for his entire life and had not told most of his friends and family.
“My parents got told when I was born that I had chronic kidney disease there are no symptoms. It just got picked up from the ultrasound. Kidneys can’t get better. It’s irreversible. So anyway you can find to slow the progression, you try and do,” said Green.
Cameron Green’s father said, “At the time it was uncharted territory as such; the prognosis wasn’t great. There were life-expectancy issues that he might not expect to live past 12 years of age.”
"If I can help one person or bring awareness to it, it's worthwhile."
Cam Green chats with @mel_mclaughlin and Ricky Ponting after revealing he has chronic kidney disease. pic.twitter.com/54xMMSmldB
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 14, 2023
I have told a few guys in the cricket world: Cameron Green
Australian cricketer Cameron Green further expressed that he has managed the disease well throughout his career, except for one concerning episode during an ODI against New Zealand last year. Green scored 89 runs, and also bowled five overs in the match, but experienced severe cramping while he batted.
“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. 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.”
Cameron Green further expressed that it took him a while to reveal the disease to his teammates. He said,
“I have told a few guys in the cricket world. The coaching staff are all over it. 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.”
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