Spencer Johnson intent of playing in Brisbane Heat’s BBL opener despite toe injury

Having signed a Brisbane Heat contract extension, Spencer Johnson doesn’t want this problem to stop him playing in his team’s opening match.

Star paceman Spencer Johnson is desperate to play in Brisbane Heat’s opening BBL clash on Wednesday against the Melbourne Stars despite being hampered by an untimely toe injury.

Johnson, who has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Heat until at least 2028, confirmed on Friday that he had a tendon problem in his toe, caused by what he believed was an “increased load” of work after playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia late last month.

“It’s pretty innocuous,” the 28-year-old left-arm quick said.

“I thought it was just an increased load. Obviously, playing (for Australia) against Pakistan (in the T20) series, bowling four overs and then going to a Shield game and bowling close to 50 overs, something’s probably going to be a little bit sore.

“Whenever something’s sore, I always try to find a way to push through, so if it was up to me, I’d be playing.

“We’re hopeful it’s all good. It’s settling down nicely, but whether I play of not, it’ll be up to the selectors.”

Johnson’s career skyrocketed after he joined the Heat in 2022, and he will be forever grateful to Brisbane for giving him a chance.

“The opportunity I got up here has propelled my career to where it’s gone, and hopefully I can continue to play for the Heat for four and maybe more years after that. It’s very exciting to be up here,” he said.

Spencer Johnson extends until 2028🔒#BringTheHEAT#BBL14pic.twitter.com/I2zVkwK8LQ

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) December 12, 2024

Johnson’s career progress has included not only representing Australia in white-ball cricket but also securing lucrative Indian Premier League contracts, firstly with the Gujurat Titans and now the Kolkata Knight Riders.

“That was a life-changing moment being exposed to that … everything’s amplified,” he said of his IPL experience earlier this year with the Titans.

“Playing with and against the world’s best, it’s only going to help me in the long run.

“It’s the hardest competition in the world. I feel like sometimes it’s harder than international cricket with the (shorter) boundaries and the wickets.

“I’m looking forward to getting back there (next year). Every game I play I’m getting better, so hopefully I continue to play in those tournaments.”

Johnson is also intent on eventually playing Test cricket for Australia but admits it’s a tough task at the moment considering the ongoing presence of Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood as well the likes of Scott Boland and Michael Neser, who have been desperately unlucky not to play more Tests in recent years.

“There are so many quicks across the country. Whenever I get asked ‘do you want to play Test cricket?’ of course you do, but who for? There are so many good guys playing and also not playing,” Johnson said.

“Through my Shield performances, and hopefully, if my body is good to go, then if an opportunity did come, my hand’s up.

“When I first played cricket, I was watching Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, ‘Gilly’ (Adam Gilchrist), all on the (TV) screen. That’s what you’re waiting on – the Baggy Green cap.”