West Torrens superstar Spencer Johnson sets Big Bash League alight, gains national attention

A deadly homegrown fast bowler is making waves on the national stage after years of dominance at grade cricket level, but why has an opportunity taken so long?

A 27-year-old local SA cricket quick has exploded onto the national scene in the Big Bash League after barely scraping into the state squad’s second team.

Left-armed West Torrens speedster Spencer Johnson left fans and commentators, namely Australian legend Brett Lee, baffled after a scintillating start to his Brisbane Heat career last week.

In three innings for the Heat so far, Johnson has taken two wickets for a return of 91 runs, impressing onlookers nationwide with his smooth action and ability to bowl as fast as 150 km/h.

The local gun, who has played at West Torrens since 2012, gained the opportunity with Brisbane after being delisted by the Adelaide Strikers.

“I came up to Brisbane in September to play in a local grade T20 comp and caught the attention of the Heat,” Johnson said.

Spencer Johnson bowling against the Strikers for the Heat over the weekend. He has impressed with his consistent and quick left-arm delivery. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

“Having guys like Brett Lee, who is a major idol of mine, praise me has been great but honestly I’m just glad to have the opportunity and to be playing at this level – it’s been a unique journey and a long time coming.”

Part of Johnson’s journey included a three-year recovery from a broken foot suffered in 2017, the start of his Redbacks career.

The rising star said the support of his local club and SACA had been integral to his return.

“I had to have a couple surgeries and it took a long time to fully heal but I’ve thankfully managed to string a strong couple seasons together on the other side of it,” Johnson said.

“Everyone in SA has been massive for me. Coach Mark Harrity at West Torrens has always stuck by me and so has SACA and all its support staff.

“I’m grateful for them all, it’s been a tough road but I’m glad to now have this chance.”

Johnson celebrates a wicket for West Torrens. Picture: Keryn Stevens

West Torrens coach Mark Harrity said he could not believe it took so long for Johnson to receive a major opportunity.

“It does amaze you when you see him on TV and people go “where has this guy come from?” because the talent has always been there,” Harrity said.

“He was the second leading wicket taker in second 11 Shield cricket last season and was then somehow the last picked for the Shield squad this year.

“If we look at our (SA’s) one-day cricket team, we’re winning wooden spoons for fun and here’s a left-armer who bowls over 140. I’m shocked he’s not up there with the best and getting a consistent go – it’s beyond belief.”

Harrity added that while he was thrilled to see Johnson flourish at the Heat, the fast bowler’s explosion onto the scene exposed a deeper issue in SA cricket.

Johnson said his dream was to play red-ball cricket for SA after the BBL season. Picture: Russell Millard

“Spencer has proven local grade cricket is not the problem, there’s enough talent in SA but for some reason we don’t always pick best players,” he said.

“We’ve got other guys like Kelvin Smith who had an opportunity when he was younger but is probably at his best now and hasn’t had another chance – you shouldn’t have a line slashed through your name just because you’re 26.”

While Johnson was focused on winning Brisbane’s three remaining matches and making finals, he was still hopeful of playing first 11 shield cricket upon return to SA.

“Right now we want to win these last three games at the Heat but to play for my home state would be a dream come true as well.

“I’ve been contracted with SA for six years so to get that red cap would be great.”

Johnson’s next match will be played against Hobart on Friday night.