Spencer Johnson’s World Cup dream over, ruled out of Big Bash season
Aussie quick Spencer Johnson’s World Cup dream is over after a long term injury blow ended his entire Big Bash season.
Spencer Johnson’s hopes of featuring in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup have been all but dashed with the Australian paceman ruled out of the Big Bash League season with his longstanding back injury.
Johnson, who turns 30 later this month, had been pushing for a return with the Brisbane Heat during the BBL campaign but a line has been put through his name for the entire season.
The left-armer has played five one-day internationals and eight Twenty20 internationals, appearing for Australia most recently at this year’s Champions Trophy.
However he has not played a professional match since the Indian Premier League season in April.
With Mitchell Starc having retired from T20 internationals, Johnson would have been a frontrunner to be part of the Aussie squad for the World Cup, scheduled for February and March in India and Sri Lanka, but the runway to a possible return has just about evaporated.
Australia will instead likely rely on Ben Dwarshuis to serve as its primary left-arm option at the World Cup.
“Spencer continues to recover from a back injury and pleasingly, this is improving,’’ Heat chief Terry Svenson said.
“However, the latest time frame for his return to play does not enable him to participate in the BBL this season. We’re all disappointed for Spencer but will provide him with ongoing support as he continues to recover.”
“He’s fought back admirably from injury earlier in his career and I have no doubt he will again be dedicated to making a full recovery in the future.”
Johnson said he remained upbeat about his future.
“I’ve had plenty of expert support from everyone involved in the process and I am very confident that I will be back and doing what I love as soon as possible,” Johnson said.
“I know the Heat fans will be 100 per cent behind the squad again this season and I will be cheering on with them from the sidelines,” he said.
Originally published as Spencer Johnson’s World Cup dream over, ruled out of Big Bash season
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