Fast bowler Callum Vidler signs deal with BBL titleholders Brisbane Heat

One of Australia’s most promising young fast bowlers has signed a deal with BBL champions Brisbane Heat.

Brisbane Heat’s squad for the 2024-25 BBL season has been boosted by the pace of Australian under-19 fast bowler Callum Vidler.

Vidler, who has hit bowling speeds in the 140km/h zone, was a local replacement player for the Heat last season but did not play a game for the title-winning outfit.

However, he has now been elevated to a permanent deal, becoming Brisbane’s 13th contracted player for the new campaign.

Callum Vidler hopes to fire for the Brisbane Heat in the 2024-25 BBL season. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP

“I was around the squad during the New Year’s Bash … and I really enjoyed being part of it,” said the 18-year-old speedster, who spearheaded Australia’s charge to the ICC Under-19 World Cup title in South Africa earlier this year with 14 wickets.

“I’ve still got plenty of leaning to do. If I try to absorb all the information I’m getting from all these world-class cricketers, I can add some stuff to my game, and hopefully come around December, I’ll have all the tools ready.

“A lot of people watch the BBL, and that’s a big platform, and there are plenty of opportunities in white-ball cricket for Australia.”

Vidler, who made his first-class debut for Queensland last season, is recovering from osteitis pubis but is expected to be fit for the start of the Heat’s BBL title defence on December 18 against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG.

“I’d love to be able to out my hand up if needed. To be picked and debut (for the Heat), that would be another dream,” he said.

Heat squad (to date): Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Pierson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler.

Originally published as Fast bowler Callum Vidler signs deal with BBL titleholders Brisbane Heat