AUS vs NZ: Spencer Johnson added to Australia’s squad for T20I series against New Zealand

Spencer Johnson has been added to Australia’s squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Spencer Johnson has been added to Australia’s squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand, presenting the all-rounder with a golden chance to secure his spot in the T20 World Cup selection.

Cricket Australia announced on Sunday afternoon that the 28-year-old will be replacing all-rounder Marcus Stoinis in the 15-player touring group for the three-match series in New Zealand. The decision was taken after Stoinis was ruled out due to back soreness, which he developed in last week’s second T20 match against West Indies in Perth.

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“He (Hardie) has got a tight calf. It’s more precautionary. He’ll bat if required tomorrow. Hopefully, it’s nothing too significant,” said West Australian coach Adam Voges.

Johnson has already represented Australia in four T20s after his international debut last year, and boasts a remarkable record of 19 wickets at 14.47 achieved in this season’s Big Bash League with the Brisbane Heat. His performances also earned him the title of the ‘Player of the BBL final’, after picking four wickets while giving away 26 runs during Brisbane Heat’s 54-run victory over the Sydney Sixers.

Having turned heads in The Hundred last year, Johnson was roped in by Gujarat Titans for Rs 10 crore in the IPL 2024 mini-auction in Dubai last year.

Heading to New Zealand alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Ellis, Johnson is gearing up to compete for a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. With Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins already confirmed for the tournament, the selection might only have space for one additional fast bowler.

Johnson, being a left-arm fast bowler, could be viewed as a similar substitute for Starc, who last played a T20I for Australia in November 2022.

Australia will take on New Zealand in the first T20I of their three-match series at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday, February 21, before locking horns at Eden Park in Auckland for the final two matches of the series on February 23 and 25.

This article was originally published on India Today!

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