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Spencer Johnson ruled out of Big Bash League and T20 World Cup because of back injury.
Spencer Johnson might not be part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad (Picture credit: ICC)
Star Australia pacer Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the upcoming Big Bash League and his hopes of playing in the T20 World Cup have been dashed, after he suffered a back injury, which is expected to take a while to heal, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo.
Johnson was last in action in April 2025, when he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He has not played since, after experiencing back pain he feared was a flare-up of an old disc problem.
Johnson later experienced sharper pain while training for the July T20I tour of the West Indies and scans revealed a stress fracture.
Johnson spent months in rehabilitation, incorporating pilates and swimming into his routine as he waited for the bone to heal.
In October, Johnson underwent another X-ray and was optimistic about being cleared to return for the Big Bash League in the new year.
“Spencer continues to recover from a back injury and pleasingly, this is improving. However, the latest time frame for his return to play doesn’t enable him to participate in the BBL this season,” Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said.
“We are all disappointed for Spencer but will provide him with ongoing support as he continues to recover,” Svenson added.
Australia’s T20 World Cup opener is on February 11, making it unlikely Johnson will recover in time to stake a claim for the final 15-man team. He had been viewed as a potential long-term successor to Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20Is.
But during Johnson’s injury layoff, Australia have won three of four T20I series with a pace unit of Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett combining well.
Pat Cummins could also return for the World Cup if fit.
Johnson will continue his rehab in Adelaide, where he lives and is contracted with South Australia, the report adds.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 03, 2025, 15:54 IST
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