The 29-year-old suffered further discomfort while preparing for the T20I tour of the West Indies in July, with scans later confirming a stress fracture. He then underwent months of rehabilitation, including pilates and swimming, while waiting for the injury to heal. A follow-up scan in October gave him hope of returning for the next BBL season. However, Brisbane Heat confirmed on Wednesday that their title-winning fast bowler has been ruled out for the entire tournament.
“Spencer continues to recover from a back injury and thankfully is improving. However, the latest window for his return to play will not allow him to compete in the BBL this season. We are all disappointed for Spencer but will provide him with continued support as he continues to recover,” Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Australia’s first match of the T20 World Cup is scheduled for February 11, making it highly unlikely that Johnson will recover in time to earn a spot in the final 15-man squad. The left-armer was seen as a potential long-term replacement for Mitchell Starc, who recently retired from T20I cricket.
However, in Johnson’s absence, Australia have enjoyed strong success, winning three of their last four T20I series with a pace attack comprising Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett. The group has adapted well and Pat Cummins could also return for the tournament if fit.
Johnson will continue his rehabilitation in Adelaide, where he lives and has a domestic contract with South Australia. Despite the setback, Johnson has registered for the upcoming IPL auction at the second highest base price of INR 150 lakh. He remains hopeful of being fit and available for the 2025 season if chosen after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after the previous campaign.
“I have had a lot of expert support from everyone involved in the process and I am confident that I will be back as soon as possible doing what I love,” Johnson said.
Get every cricket update! Follow us:
#Spencer #Johnson #ruled #BBL #T20 #World #Cup #return #CricTracker