Queensland Fast Bowler Callum Vidler Ruled Out of Australia A Tour to India with Stress Fracture

Queensland teenager Callum Vidler will miss the upcoming Australia A white-ball tour of India after scans revealed a partial stress fracture in his lower back, adding to the growing list of Australian fast bowlers battling back injuries.

The promising 19-year-old had been earmarked for a breakthrough season following his standout performances in Australia’s Under-19 World Cup triumph and an impressive showing in the Sheffield Shield final earlier this year, where he took 4 for 64 and 1 for 60 on a slow pitch at Karen Rolton Oval.

Vidler was preparing for the tour by playing three T20 matches in the T20 Max competition for his club side Valley in Queensland, but he reported back soreness during training last week. Subsequent scans confirmed a partial fracture in his L3 vertebrae, forcing him out of the tour and putting his immediate domestic plans in doubt.

Queensland’s General Manager of High Performance Joe Dawes said, “Callum experienced some back pain during training and promptly reported it. Unfortunately, the scans came back confirming a stress fracture so he will spend some time recovering and then start a rehab plan. He’s naturally very disappointed but accepts that injuries are part of the game. We’ll work closely with him to ensure he has the best recovery to get him ready for a return to cricket.”

Vidler’s injury compounds a spate of back problems in Australian fast bowling ranks, with Test captain Pat Cummins recently diagnosed with a back hotspot and Cricket Australia-contracted pacer Lance Morris currently undergoing surgery, sidelining him for up to 12 months.

Australia A had already lost Morris and his replacement Brody Couch to injuries ahead of the India tour. Couch suffered a side strain but is expected to be fit for the domestic Sheffield Shield season. South Australia’s Henry Thornton was called up as Couch’s replacement and will now also feature in the white-ball matches.

Queensland’s fast bowling depth is now stretched thin with Vidler sidelined just a week before the start of the Dean Jones Trophy. Vidler is one of four quicks from his Under-19 cohort, including Tom Straker, Mahli Beardman, and Charlie Anderson, all facing or recovering from injury issues.

The road to full fitness looks long for Vidler, but the hope remains that with careful rehabilitation, the young pacer can return stronger and continue his rise through the Australian ranks.