Is Spencer Johnson Out of the BBL Season Due to Back Injury?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Spencer Johnson is ruled out of the BBL season due to a back injury.
- Johnson won the player of the final title in 2024.
- His absence raises questions about the T20 World Cup.
- The Brisbane Heat will announce a replacement soon.
- Support for Johnson from fans and teammates remains strong.
Brisbane, Dec 3 (NationPress) Australia’s left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson has been sidelined for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season because of a persistent back injury. Johnson debuted for the Brisbane Heat in 2023 and was pivotal in their championship victory in 2024, earning the title of player of the final.
Having participated in five ODIs and eight T20Is for Australia, Johnson has been on the mend from a back issue that has kept him off the field since he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025. His absence from the BBL raises concerns about his participation in next year’s T20 World Cup.
“I’ve received tremendous support from all involved and am optimistic about getting back to doing what I love soon. I know the Heat fans will rally behind the team this season, and I’ll be cheering from the sidelines,” he shared in a club statement.
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson expressed his hopes for Johnson’s swift recovery and looks forward to his return next year. “Spencer is making progress with his back injury, which is encouraging. However, he won’t be able to join us for the BBL this season. We're all disappointed but will continue to support him during his recovery. He has shown resilience in overcoming injuries in the past, and I’m confident he will do so again,” he stated.
The club will announce a replacement for Johnson as they approach their opening BBL match against the Melbourne Renegades scheduled for December 15 in Geelong.
Brisbane Heat squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Tom Alsop (England), Colin Munro (New Zealand), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Oli Patterson, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth.