Australian allrounder Cameron Green has revealed that he has been living with chronic kidney disease since birth.
The 24-year-old disclosed that the condition, diagnosed through ultrasounds posed challenges to his kidney function, operating at about 60% efficiency (stage two).
Green's parents were informed about the condition when his mother had a 19-week pregnancy scan. Despite initial concerns about his life expectancy, Green has not only defied the odds but has excelled in professional cricket.
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What did Cameron Green say?
"My parents got told when I was born that I had chronic kidney disease," Green told Channel 7.
"Basically, there's no symptoms, it was just picked up through ultrasounds. 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% at the moment which is stage two.
"I consider myself very lucky that I'm not as affected physically by chronic kidney disease as other people who are affected by the same thing.
"With chronic kidney disease there's five stages, with stage one being the least severe, and stage five being transplant or dialysis. Fortunately, I'm stage two, but if you don't look after them enough, it goes back down. Kidneys can't get better. It's irreversible. So anything you can do to slow the progression, you basically try and do."
Green has been able to manage the disease discreetly, with only one concerning episode during an ODI against New Zealand in Cairns last year. Despite severe cramping while batting after a long day of bowling, Green made an unbeaten 89 in a successful run chase.
"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," Green said. "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 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
The revelation to his teammates came after a significant period, as Green initially attributed the cramping to inadequate hydration and nutrition during games. His ability to cope with the all-round workload astonished teammates who were unaware of his health challenges.
"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."
Green's resilience and success in the face of chronic kidney disease inspire not only in the cricketing arena but also serve as a testament to personal strength and determination.
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