Queensland’s fastest teen bowler, 19-year-old Callum Vidler, is still taken back when he realises how far he has come in his cricketing journey

Queensland’s top fast bowling prospect still pinches himself when playing alongside players he grew up admiring in places he loved attending as a kid with a dream. Hear from the Bulls’ latest One Day Cup debutant, 19-year-old quick Callum Vidler.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 13: Callum Vidler of Queensland bowls during the ODC match between Queensland and New South Wales at Allan Border Field, on February 13, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Emerging Queensland fast bowler Callum Vidler has endured a whirlwind ride over the past 12 months having won an Under-19s World Cup title in South Africa, making his Bulls debut and rehabbing from an osteoporosis operation for his groin.

The 19-year-old Valleys product, who is back at his blistering best bowling 140+kph deliveries, is still taken back when he realises his progression and finds himself bowling in the arena he grew up admiring his favourite cricketers in.

Callum Vidler of Queensland prepares ahead of the ODC match between Queensland and Western Australia at The Gabba. Vidler made his One Day Cup debut against New South Wales on February 13 the week prior and has picked up where he left off after missing the back end of last year rehabbing a groin injury (osteoporosis). by Albert Pere.

Vidler recalled being a kid with passion and a dream watching from behind the boundary rope at the Gabba and on Sunday he was front and centre taking three wickets for the Bulls in a tough six-wicket loss against Western Australia.

“I know everyone (my teammates) was really keen for that (making the finals),and it hurt,” Vidler said after snaring 3-36 in the must-win One Day Cup clash.

Callum Vidler of Queensland celebrates with teammates after dismissing Joel Curtis of Western Australia. Photo by Albert Perez.

“To play here, it’s been a dream. This is where I grew up watching the Heat. I was one of those kids. I’ve come here to watch Bulls games, so to be out there was pretty surreal.

“It took me a couple balls to soak it in, and then I started getting whacked so I had to focus,” Vidler smiled.

After the match had finished there was a group of fans gathered eager to share in a moment with Vidler, which the teen fast bowler was humbled by.

“I don’t think these guys will remember me to be honest but I remember getting photos of Matt Kuhnemann and stuff after an Australia A game and I’ve got those photos still,” he said.“It is pretty surreal to be playing with those guys and also seeing them (supporters) all on the fence remembering that was me five years ago.”

Three years ago Callum Vidler was playing First XI cricket for Brisbane Grammar and two years ago playing in the under-19s and first grade club competition for Valley before being called into the Australian Under-19s squad.

While his side is out of finals contention in the One Day format, Vidler’s first priority is helping the Bulls make the finals in Shield cricket and then a bit of fine tuning during the winter.

“Hopefully over time I can work on getting that short bouncer or finding the top of the stumps. I’ve got such great resources and people to learn from,” he said.

Callum Vidler of Australia celebrates during the ICC U19 Men's World Cup final last year in South Africa. Photo by Lee Warren.

Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mark Steketee are just a few bowlers Vidler is hoping to take leanings off moving forward to “be more consistent while still bowling fast and giving everything I’ve got”.

“I am still getting used to my body. I have grown a bit, getting used to my run up. Coming back from my OP (osteoporosis) certainly had a big impact on my action,” Vidler said.

“I think I’ve learnt the hard way that being a fast bowler, growing and being young, you’re gonna have injuries. So I’m going to dedicate my whole off season to just getting my body right.”

Gym, pool and even pilates sessions were on Vidler’s to-do list when the Shield season is over.