Australian pacer Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom due to a side strain. The tour includes a three-match T20 series against Scotland, followed by a three-match T20I and five-match ODI series against England. Johnson’s injury occurred during his stint in the English franchise tournament, The Hundred, where he represented the Oval Invincibles.
Sean Abbott Replaces Spencer Johnson for Australia’s tour of UK
Johnson’s campaign in The Hundred was less than stellar, as he managed to take only two wickets in six matches. His injury has prompted the Australian selectors to bring in New South Wales all-rounder Sean Abbott, who was originally selected only for the ODI squad. Abbott’s inclusion strengthens Australia’s bowling attack for both the T20 and ODI legs of the tour.
Spencer Johnson has been a rising star in Australian cricket, thanks to his impressive performances in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Brisbane Heat. Since making his international debut against South Africa last year, Johnson has featured in five T20Is and one ODI for Australia.
The Australian selectors have taken an interesting approach to the UK tour, resting their key player Pat Cummins and including Josh Hazlewood in both the T20I and ODI squads. Cricket Australia provided an update on Johnson’s condition, confirming that he will return to Australia for further assessment and rehabilitation before the start of the Australian summer season. “He (Johnson) will return home for further assessment rehabilitation before the Australian summer,” the board’s statement read.
Australia’s T20 squad for the UK tour includes Mitchell Marsh as captain, alongside notable players like Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa. The tour will be a crucial preparation for Australia ahead of the busy international schedule later this year.
Australia’s T20 squad for the UK tour:Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Schedule for Australia’s Tour of UK:
– September 4: First T20I vs Scotland, The Grange, Edinburgh
– September 6: Second T20I vs Scotland, The Grange, Edinburgh
– September 7: Third T20I vs Scotland, The Grange, Edinburgh
– September 11: First T20I vs England, Rose Bowl, Southampton
– September 13: Second T20I vs England, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
– September 15: Third T20I vs England, Old Trafford, Manchester
– September 19: First ODI vs England, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
– September 21: Second ODI vs England, Headingley, Leeds
– September 24: Third ODI vs England, Riverside, Chester-le-Street
– September 27: Fourth ODI vs England, Lord’s, London
– September 29: Fifth ODI vs England, County Ground, Bristol.
