Why is Callum Vidler Excluded from Australia A’s Tour of India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Callum Vidler out of the India tour due to injury.
- He has a partial stress fracture in his L3 vertebra.
- Vidler was a standout performer in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup.
- Australia A is facing multiple injury challenges.
- Focus on rehabilitation and recovery is crucial for Vidler.
Brisbane, Sep 8 (NationPress) Talented fast bowler Callum Vidler will miss the upcoming tour of India with Australia A due to a partial stress fracture in his L3 vertebra.
Vidler was set to participate in the white-ball segment of the tour later this month, but this injury will require him to focus on rehabilitation instead.
"Callum felt some discomfort in his back during training and reported it immediately. Sadly, the scans confirmed a stress fracture, necessitating a period of recovery followed by a rehabilitation plan," stated Joe Dawes, the Queensland general manager of high performance, on Monday.
“He is understandably disappointed but recognizes that injuries are an inevitable part of sports. We'll collaborate closely with him to facilitate the best recovery process, ensuring he is fit to return to cricket," he added.
Vidler emerged as a standout talent during last summer’s cricket season. Having recently led Australia’s attack to victory in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, he made his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland. His impressive performance of 4-64 in the first innings at Karen Rolton Oval highlighted his potential as a future fast-bowling leader.
Australia A has faced injury challenges ahead of the series against India, with both Lance Morris and his substitute Brody Couch already sidelined from the red-ball squad.
Couch is expected to recover from a side strain in time for the upcoming Sheffield Shield season with Western Australia, while Morris will undergo a year-long recovery after opting for surgery to address his back stress fracture. Consequently, South Australia pacer Henry Thornton, who was brought in to replace Couch for red-ball matches, will likely remain for the three white-ball games.
Vidler is part of a promising group of young fast bowlers from Australia’s Under-19 ranks, which includes Tom Straker, Mahli Beardman, and Charlie Anderson. Straker is included in the Australia A white-ball squad for the India tour, while Beardman is currently out due to a stress fracture, and Anderson, who has had significant back issues, is being managed with care.