Spencer Johnson hopes to replicate Mitchell Starc in the Champions Trophy
Spencer Johnson will step into Mitchell Starc’s shoes for the Champions Trophy and hopes to replicate the Australia champion’s impact.
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Australia quick Spencer Johnson aspires to replicate the feats of superstar fast bowler Mitchell Starc during the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Johnson is a like-for-like replacement for Starc, who withdrew from the Champions Trophy squad bound for Pakistan later this month, citing personal reasons.
Johnson bowled in Starc’s place in the ODI against Sri Lanka on Wednesday and, in Starc style, took a wicket in the first over.
Alongside Aaron Hardie (2-13) and Nathan Ellis (2-23), the Aussie quicks were the only shining light in a disappointing 49-run defeat.
Johnson has dreamt of playing the Starc role and hopes to bring an element of the world-class quick to Pakistan.
“While the ball is swinging, it’s (the approach) pitch the ball up and try and hit the stumps,” he said.
“Guys like Trent Boult (New Zealand) and Starcy, left-armers who are aggressive, hopefully it’s what I can bring to Pakistan.
“It’s something I have pictured in my mind, come in and play a similar role to him (Starc). There was a bit of nerves there.
“I think I am better for the run, it’s only my third ODI, hopefully a few more and I’ll be able to replicate some of the stuff he’s done.”
The Aussies will have a new-look side for the Champions Trophy after Starc joined Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh at home.
While Johnson says there are “big shoes to fill”, he doesn’t agree selection is out of his hands.
Johnson says the tournament is an opportunity to force the selectors’ hand and make them pick a future side with both he and Starc in it.
“I think it is in my hands, really, if I perform then I’ll be around,” he said.
“It’s up to performances, I feel like I am ready to play for Australia and had a little bit of a taste in T20 cricket and now some ODIs.
“Heading to Pakistan is exciting and I am ready to go.”
Australia Champions Trophy squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
Originally published as Spencer Johnson hopes to replicate Mitchell Starc in the Champions Trophy
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