Getting the meals right – Green on kidney condition & Ashes hopes
Injuries are a part of every sportsperson’s career, but what makes a true athlete is how they navigate through these challenges. For many, an injury, especially a serious one, provides the opportunity to reset and focus on aspects of their career and personal life that are often overlooked. For Australian cricketer Cameron Green, this forced break has provided just that – a chance to reevaluate his routines, get stronger, and improve his health, both mentally and physically.
A Kidney Condition and Its Impact on Cricket
Cameron Green’s story goes beyond the typical injury setback. In December 2023, the 25-year-old all-rounder revealed that he has been living with a chronic kidney condition, a diagnosis that could have limited his life in many ways. When Green was born, doctors told his parents that he might not live beyond the age of 12. Fast forward to today, and Green, standing at an imposing 6ft 6in, is not only playing professional cricket but is also an integral part of Australia’s national team.
Despite his condition, Green maintains a positive outlook. “A lot of people have a lot of different problems you don’t know about,” he says, underscoring how everyone deals with challenges, some of which are invisible to the public eye. “I find it really doesn’t impact my life that much. I just make good decisions.” Green’s approach to managing his kidney issues is one of awareness and careful decision-making. While there is no cure for his condition, he focuses on maintaining a routine that helps to slow its progression.
After a back injury forced him into surgery in late 2023, Green took the opportunity to return home to Perth, where he could recover and concentrate on his fitness away from the pressures of international cricket. During this period, Green’s approach to health and nutrition evolved. On the road, maintaining kidney-friendly meals can be a challenge, but the forced break allowed him to establish a more regimented routine, which was particularly helpful in managing his health.
While recuperating, Green got in touch with the head chef at the Indian Premier League’s Bangalore team, and together they set up a menu tailored to his dietary needs. This proactive approach ensured that Green remained as fit and healthy as possible, even in the midst of a busy cricket schedule. His recovery journey has led to his return to competitive cricket, with Green now poised to play five matches for Gloucestershire in the County Championship. Starting on Friday against Kent, this will be his first major test since recovering from his back injury.
The High Expectations of an Australian All-Rounder
Cameron Green’s skills on the field have long been a point of focus. Australia has been searching for a fast-bowling all-rounder like Green for many years, and his potential is viewed as key to the team’s future success. Comparisons to legendary all-rounders like Keith Miller and Richie Benaud are inevitable, as Australia has often struggled to produce such a player of Green’s caliber.
At his best, Green is a genuine all-rounder capable of both fast bowling and solid batting. Yet, the Australian public and cricketing hierarchy demand excellence in both disciplines. “The public expects you to average 40 with the bat and 30 with the ball to be considered elite,” Green notes, acknowledging the high standards expected from Australian cricketers. Despite currently having averages of 36.23 with the bat and 35.31 as a bowler, Green is already drawing comparisons to England’s Ben Stokes, whose statistics are similarly impressive.
Green’s recent injury setbacks have provided him with time to reflect on his career and the expectations placed on him. In the final stages of the 2023 Ashes, Green was sidelined due to a combination of injury and selection decisions. He was replaced by Mitchell Marsh after scoring a crucial 174 not out in the series, which demonstrated his immense talent and versatility.
However, with younger players like Josh Inglis and Beau Webster pushing for spots in the team, Green knows that his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed. “I am just here trying to perform as well as I can every game,” Green says, staying focused on the present and the task at hand, rather than getting caught up in the uncertainty of selection for the upcoming Ashes or the World Test Championship final.