In the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup in Benoni on Thursday, Australian bowler Callum Vidler displayed an interesting gesture. After successfully deceiving Shahzaib Khan’s outside edge, Vidler approached the Pakistani opener and gestured towards his head.
Callum Vidler
Vidler, who is known for his mischievous behavior in the changerooms, observed that the left-handed batsman was retreating from shorter deliveries and adjusting his footwork towards the leg side. With a generous spirit, Vidler kindly informed Khan that his upcoming delivery would be aimed at his helmet.
Vidler clarified to Fox Cricket that he occasionally experiences moments of heightened emotions and enthusiasm. He further elaborated on his strategy of employing intimidation and mind games to unsettle his opponents. Drawing from his past experiences in junior cricket, he decided to test his skills and indicate to his opponent where he intended to deliver the ball.
Khan readied himself for a bouncer, yet to his surprise, Vidler delivered a half-volley outside the off stump. Awkwardly, the Pakistani player scooped the ball towards the rival captain, Hugh Weibgen, stationed at point.
Upon reviewing the footage, Vidler couldn’t help but chuckle as he noticed Khan’s feet positioned well outside the leg.
Vidler, who has achieved speeds of more than 140km/h, has emerged as one of Australia’s top wicket-takers in the ongoing tournament in South Africa, claiming 12 wickets at an impressive average of 10.75 and an economy rate of 3.88.
Although he is known for his exceptional pace among his peers, the young cricketer from Queensland has admitted to having a reputation for being excessively polite towards the opposition. This characteristic has not been well-received by his captain and coach at Valley District Cricket Club.
Vidler admitted, “I tend to display an excessive amount of smiles.”
“I have faced reprimands from my captain during my early days in first grade, as well as from the coach.”
“I am currently striving to improve this aspect by cultivating a touch of aggression and utilizing it to intimidate opponents. I was unaware of the impact a well-executed bouncer can have on the batsman’s psyche, altering their footwork and leading to wickets.”
Vidler concluded the semi-final, recording figures of 1-43 from nine overs. However, his impact with the bat could be considered even more significant. Australia, in pursuit of a 180-run target for triumph, found themselves in a precarious position at 9-164 when Vidler, accompanied by all-rounder Raf MacMillan, stepped onto the field as the 11th batsman.
Vidler confessed that it was quite nerve-wracking for him as he hadn’t batted throughout the entire trip. He expressed his disappointment with his bowling performance, particularly the wides and half-volleys he bowled, acknowledging that they could have made a difference. Nevertheless, in the tense moments at Willowmoore Park, Vidler and MacMillan formed an unbeaten 17-run partnership, securing Australia’s place in the final. The winning runs were scored through a fortunate inside edge. Vidler humbly credited MacMillan for his contribution, stating that he deserves all the credit. Vidler also mentioned that MacMillan was extremely fired up when he hit the last four runs, and it was a rather extraordinary moment as he had never seen him that excited before.
The bus ride back home was filled with music as the Australian team celebrated their victory, but the young players were well aware that their task was not yet complete. They still had to face the formidable Indian team in the final match.
India has emerged victorious in three out of the last six editions of the tournament, whereas Australia’s last triumph dates back to 2010, when a talented squad of future superstars, including Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood, lifted the trophy.
In his younger years, Vidler was undeniably the fastest bowler in Queensland’s GPS competition, where he played alongside Weibgen at Brisbane Grammar School. Witnessing the impressive performances of Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris, both hailing from Queensland, during the 2013/14 Ashes series, Vidler was inspired to pursue a career in fast bowling from a young age.
Among the numerous videos on his YouTube account, Harris’ memorable dismissal of former England captain Alastair Cook during the 2013 WACA Test is likely the most frequently viewed clip.
The Under-19 World Cup match between Australia and India is set to commence at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Sunday, with the first ball being bowled at 7pm AEDT.