‘My hand’s up’: The Starc factor behind heir apparent’s meteoric rise

Signed with the Brisbane Heat to the end of 2028, Spencer Johnson declared he and Xavier Bartlett had what it would take to be Australia’s future spearheads.

The pair were the leading wicket-takers of the past Big Bash League campaign, triggering the end of the club’s 11-year title drought.

Now they have their sights on the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Man on a mission: Spencer Johnson.Credit: Getty Images

Bartlett took eight wickets in two one-day appearances and 11 from seven T20s, while Johnson’s 14 scalps in eight T20s was highlighted by figures of 5/26 against Pakistan in November.

Having suffered a toe injury in a Sheffield Shield clash three weeks ago, Johnson admitted he was yet to be confirmed for the Heat’s campaign launch on December 18.

But he believed when he did return, he and Bartlett would issue another reminder of why they must factor in Australia’s World Cup plans, and even next year’s Champions Trophy.

Australia’s Xavier Bartlett appeals.Credit: AP

“Without looking too far ahead, what’s in front of me now is 10 Big Bash games, and if I perform there, then I’m sure that stuff will look after itself,” Johnson said.

“I played the last ODI for Australia, even though the big dogs were out, but playing that last one in Perth felt good. I think that white ball format is probably my way into Australia, so hopefully I can keep performing, and I’d love to play in the Champions Trophy.

“Playing with X for Australia is pretty cool. I think we complement each other quite well, and he’s flying, so hopefully we can back it up again this year.”

Johnson’s rise, which has included lucrative Indian Premier League deals, has been limited to cricket’s shorter formats, but he remains hopeful of one day joining the Test fold.

Teammate Paul Walter believed it was in Johnson’s grasp, saying, “there are not many guys who can do what he does”.

“I think if you bowl 90 miles an hour, and you’re six-foot-five, your skills go anywhere.”

Paul Walter on Spencer Johnson

Australian frontline quick and fellow left-armer Mitchell Starc has also endorsed the 29-year-old as his heir apparent, but Johnson said being a like-for-like Starc replacement would not be his ticket to the game’s biggest stage.

Still, he was taking every chance he could to pick Starc’s brain.

“He’s the benchmark. Everything he does – whether it’s with the ball or in the field - he’s so athletic, and to be anywhere near what he can do is something I’m striving for,” Johnson said.

“A few messages here and there I guess inspires you to keep going.

“He’s been so durable for so long, so I’m trying to get some hints on the way he does a few things.

“You want a baggy green. Hopefully if my body’s good, if an opportunity does come, my hand’s up.”