Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson who has been named in the T20I squad for the upcoming series against South Africa justified his selection with a dazzling debut for Oval Invincibles in ‘The Hundred’. In his 20 balls for the 100-ball tournament, Johnson fired 19 dots and conceded just one run, picking up three wickets. His team beat the Manchester Originals by 94 runs.
Johnson did not concede a single run in his first five balls. He returned to bowl his set of second five and conceded a run to England’s limited-over skipper Jos Buttler. Finally, he returned to bowl ten back-to-back deliveries and he ran through the Manchester middle-order with three quick wickets.
“It's an absolute blur at the minute. To be here in front of these awesome fans, playing at The Oval, it's awesome. I’m speechless, not really sure what’s going on. I’m pinching myself...I’ve had a bit of a tough run with injury but I’m 27 now and come out the other side. I’m just really enjoying my cricket and lucky to be here,” Johnson said after the game.
Spencer Johnson could make his Australia debut shortly
He also acknowledged that he could be making his debut for Australia shortly so if his team qualifies for the knockouts, they will have to go without him. "I didn't officially get told until the back end of last week. It's obviously pretty cool to, hopefully, be debuting for my country. It's a little bit tough to take in," he said.
Notably, Johnson has struggled with injuries which is why he has been away from international cricket so far. However, he proved his worth on his debut for the Invincibles and justified Australia’s interest in him. "From where I was to now, I've just taken everything in my stride," Johnson said. "I keep saying the term 'ride the wave', and that's what I try to do," he added.
“To provide a performance like that against Jos Buttler and Phil Salt as well, two of the best players in the world at the moment, I can’t really put into words how special that bowling performance is,” Oval skipper Sam Billings heaped praise on the debutant.
Here’s how fans reacted:
@Aravindan_07 Junior Starc On The Way...
— Vinay (@_Vinay12_) August 10, 2023
Or humara bowler Mukesh or Jaydev he 😭
— Bewada babloo (@babloobhaiya3) August 10, 2023
Another left arm Aussie pacer ready to fire 🔥👀
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 10, 2023
and we have unadkat and arshdeep 😭😭😭😂
— AJ 👁️ (markram fc 💪) (@Zerodopamine7) August 10, 2023
India after nehra and z khan India fail to produce good left hand bowler
— Kanak Saini (@KanakSa89133191) August 10, 2023
You will see another Australian in IPL
— Sports FEB (@sports_feb) August 10, 2023
Bhai yeh 150 ki speed se bowling karta hai maine isko bbl mai dekha hai
— Saurav Sharma (@_Sauravff_) August 10, 2023
Humare paas aisa fast bowler kyu ni hota koi 🥲
— Ayaan Kaith (@DograAyaan22) August 10, 2023