Image Credit- BCCI
In their Twenty20 encounter against the West Indies on
Sunday, Australia will unleash their explosive left-arm quick Spencer Johnson
for his first-ever international match at home.
The 28-year-old Johnson has made three appearances for
Australia: a 50-over match in India in September of last year and two Twenty20
Internationals in South Africa in August. She has been called up for his maiden
home international match as Australia leads the Adelaide Oval on Sunday night
by 1-0 following an 11-run victory over the West Indies in Hobart on Friday
night.
“It’s exciting,” Johnson told reporters on
Saturday. “To get another opportunity is obviously something where I want
to be. “When I played last year in September, I think I’m a different
player now, I have a bit more success in the Big Bash so I’m definitely ready
to go.”
At the end of an intense time, Johnson finished with 4
for 26, making him the hero of the Brisbane Heat’s BBL championship victory.
As of September 2022, Johnson was employed as a
gardener and did not have a professional contract. However, a breakthrough BBL
season was succeeded by a run in the UK Hundred tournament and a first-class
debut for South Australia. He was signed by the Gujarat Titans for an
incredible $A1.78 million during this year’s IPL auction.
“I’m taking it in my stride – when you sit back
and think about it, it’s pretty ridiculous,” he said. “But I’m here
now and I just keep going.”
The Adelaide-born fast bowler was particularly rapt at
the prospect of making his international debut in Australia in his home city.
“It’s obviously going to be a proud moment for my
family, to have them in the crowd, and friends there as well,” he said
“To play for Australia is something that you dream about in the backyard
so to do it is going to be quite cool.”