Jemma Barsby didn't even know what multiple sclerosis (MS) was when she was first diagnosed with the condition.

Key points: MS is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system

MS is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system Barsby has to be mindful of her condition, particularly her heat, while playing

Barsby has to be mindful of her condition, particularly her heat, while playing But with medication and support from family and friends, she intends to play on

The talented 19-year-old bowler had just attended a camp where she got to train with the national team.

Having not bowled a lot during the pre-season, she came out with a sore shoulder at the end of the weekend, but didn't think anything of it at the time.

She also had numbness in the tips of her fingers, and after about a month, thought it was a good idea to visit the team doctor to get some scans.

It ended up being a significant moment in her life — the day she received her MS diagnosis.

Perth Scorchers cricketer Jemma Barsby said her MS diagnosis came as a shock. ( ABC News: Clint Thomas )

"I remember the day so clearly," she said.

"I walked into the doctor's room and the first thing she said to me was — 'we are still going to be friends, right?' — and from that moment I knew it was something pretty serious.

"It was definitely a shock.

"Silly me at the that time — I went straight on doctor Google and Googled what MS was because I, like a lot of Australians, didn't know.

"When I found out you end up in a wheelchair and all those sorts of things it was pretty scary the first couple of days but [I was OK] once I saw the neurologist and got the confirmation that I have it quite mild."

Heat can bring on MS symptoms

MS is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system. It can alter or compromise many functions including movement, sight, and memory.

So far it hasn't severely impacted the now 24-year-old's cricket career, although Barsby has to be mindful of her condition while playing.

Jemma Barsby takes ice vests and neck coolers to her games and training to keep cool on the field. ( ABC News: Clint Thomas )

Being a summer sport, the heat is not ideal because it brings on the symptoms.

Barsby takes ice vests and neck coolers to her games and training to keep cool on the field.

During drinks breaks and at lunch and tea she will put on the ice vest and suck on some ice and slushies to control her body temperature.

"For me [the symptoms] are a lot of pins and needles in my hands and down my legs and my spine," she said.

"I have only once got it really bad where my vision started to go and that was on a really hot day."

Cricket-mad family provides support

Barsby takes medication every two days and ensures she stays active and gets a minimum of 20 minutes of sunlight a day.

"I can't complain," she said.

"I am still able to go out and live my life and travel the country playing a sport that I love, so I am definitely very thankful that I am still able to do everything — and if that comes to the point where I have to make a decision, well then I will think about it then.

"I realised I could still live my life and obviously I am going to have good and bad days, and [I'm] just taking those days as it comes."

Jemma Barsby and Nicole Bolton of the Perth Scorchers celebrate a wicket. ( AAP: Darren England )

A rare talent who can bowl with both arms, Barsby has played in all the Scorchers WBBL games this season and looks to be a key player for some time to come.

She also has the support of her friends and a cricket-mad family that includes her dad Trevor Barsby, who played and coached Queensland.

It comes in handy when she needs some pointers on her cricket.

"I know he is there if I need to ask any questions and he will give the brutal honesty and feedback which is what you need to hear sometimes so he has been awesome," she said.