Australian pacer Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England in the UK due to a side injury sustained while playing for The Oval Invincibles in The Hundred. Sean Abbott has been named as his replacement. Initially, Abbott was selected for the five-match ODI series against England.
In The Hundred, Johnson claimed just two wickets in six matches but delivered an impressive spell of 1/10 against Northern Superchargers in 20 balls. Johnson, who made his mark in the BBL with Brisbane Heat, has played five T20Is and one ODI since debuting against South Africa last year. He’s seen as a key contender to step into Mitchell Starc’s role in the T20I squad.
Abbott’s Opportunity and Johnson’s Rehabilitation Focus
Cricket Australia announced that Johnson will return home for rehabilitation ahead of the home summer, rather than continue on the UK tour. The medical staff confirmed that he will prioritize recovery over playing in the next month. 
While Starc has been rested for the T20Is, he will take part in the ODIs. Pat Cummins is set to miss the entire tour, but Josh Hazlewood is included in both squads.
Abbott, who has 15 T20I caps, has been unlucky not to have played more for Australia despite being the leading wicket-taker in BBL history with 165 wickets. He also performed well in The Hundred, securing nine wickets in seven games for Birmingham Phoenix.
Other pace options for the T20I squad include Xavier Bartlett, who made a strong impression in international cricket last season and Nathan Ellis. Allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis will also provide additional bowling depth.
Selectors are considering future tournaments, especially the next T20 World Cup in 18 months. Although Starc and Cummins aren’t part of this series, they remain in the mix for the format.
Johnson’s immediate focus will be to regain fitness ahead of the Australian domestic season, where he represents South Australia. After the UK tour, Australia’s next T20I fixtures are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, offering Johnson another opportunity, as the Test players will be unavailable due to the first Test in Perth.
Also Read
Follow us on 𝕏
