Brisbane Heat secure left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson on extended deal

The Heat was quick to offer the South Australian fast bowler a contract extension after his impressive debut BBL campaign.

Pace sensation Spencer Johnson has extended his BBL contract with the Brisbane Heat until 2026.

After starring in the Queensland Premier Cricket T20 Max competition, the 27-year-old left-armer debuted for the Heat during the 2022-23 BBL season and played a key role in Brisbane’s surge to the final.

His form had the Heat in a hurry to secure the South Australian – who was already under contract next season – on a long-term deal.

Queensland Cricket general manager of high performance Bennett King said: “Extending Spencer’s contract after his performances during the BBL had been one of the priorities identified in our post-tournament review.”

Johnson’s form in his 10 matches for the Heat led to him being called up for Sheffield Shield and Marsh One-Day Cup duty for SA, and from there he was selected for Australia A’s end-of-season tour of New Zealand.

Spencer Johnson has extended his stint with Brisbane Heat. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

“I’m very pleased to commit to the Heat for the next three BBL seasons, as I certainly had an enjoyable and rewarding time with the team last season,’’ Johnson said.

“I was only thinking the other day that a bit over 12 months ago, I was getting ready to come up to Brisbane to play some pre-season Premier Cricket T20 games and give myself a chance of potentially landing a BBL deal.

“For that to happen, and then to go on to play in the matches we did was a dream come true.

“We got close, and the prospect of seeing what we can achieve this summer is a very strong incentive for all of the Heat squad.”

Johnson is one of eight players already locked in for Heat next season, with the other seven being skipper Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson, Max Bryant, Will Prestwidge and Mark Steketee.

Still eligible for Heat retention are Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Swepson, Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Sam Heazlett and Jack Wildermuth.

Big-hitting Josh Brown and all-rounder Nathan McSweeney, who both impressed as replacement players last season, are also in contract contention.

Last season’s Heat imports Col Munro, Sam Billings and Sam Hain are again also in Brisbane’s sights but are set to be among the talent in the BBL international player draft.

Originally published as Brisbane Heat secure left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson on extended deal