Spencer Johnson

A burly left-arm quick, Spencer Johnson is a professional Australian International cricketer who represents various franchises worldwide, including the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. Johnson was touted as a prodigy from a young age, and after being a part of the U-19 side of Southern Australia, he was handed a rookie contract by the state team at the start of the 2017-18 season.

Johnson showed early promise at the start of the 2017-18 season for the Redbacks after being added to South Australia’s one-day squad for a second straight year, before his campaign was cruelly interrupted by a foot injury. 

After being delisted from South Australia ahead of the 2020-21 season, the pacer returned to the 2020-21 Marsh One-day Cup after some impressive performances for SA in premier cricket.

His exploits at the domestic level were rewarded by a maiden Big Bash League (BBL) contract by the Adelaide Strikers before the start of the 2021 season. 

Earmarked from a young age, Johnson made his Big Bash League (BBL) debut for the Brisbane Heat against the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba in early 2023. Although he did not claim any wickets, Johnson's three-over spell conceded just 22 runs, reflecting an economy rate of more than 7. He showcased his prowess as a left-arm fast bowler. Over 10 matches in the league, Johnson claimed 9 wickets, delivering 224 balls with an economy rate of 7.55. His bowling average stood at 31.33 and he maintained a strike rate of 24.88.

Soon after that BBL, Johnson's First-Class debut came against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield at Junction Oval, which was a testament to his resilience and skill. After a wicketless first innings, he delivered a remarkable performance in the second innings, claiming 6 wickets for 87 runs. Despite South Australia's 177-run loss, Johnson's debut highlighted his potential as a formidable left-arm fast bowler in the longer format.

In August 2023, Johnson made a sensational debut for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, delivering an extraordinary spell against the Manchester Originals. His 20-ball performance yielded remarkable figures of 3 wickets for just 1 run, making it the most economical 20-ball spell in the history of the tournament. Johnson's spell was characterized by his ability to bowl consistently over 90 mph, showcasing both pace and precision. In his initial set of 10 balls, he conceded only a single run while bowling to England's prominent batters– Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. He then returned to deliver 10 consecutive balls without conceding a run, during which he claimed three crucial wickets.

On August 30, 2023, Spencer Johnson marked his arrival on the international stage, donning the Australian colors for his T20I debut against South Africa in Durban. With the ball in hand, the left-arm pacer showcased his skill and composure, finishing with figures of 2/33 in his four-over spell. His disciplined lines and deceptive pace played a crucial role in dismantling South Africa’s batting order, helping Australia cruise to a dominant 111-run victory.  

Within a month of making his T20I debut, Spencer Johnson made his ODI debut against India at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. In a high-scoring encounter, India posted an imposing total of 399/5 in their 50 overs. Johnson bowled 8 overs, conceding 61 runs without taking a wicket.

In February 2024, Spencer Johnson continued his rise in international cricket, delivering a composed and impactful performance in Australia’s T20I series against the West Indies. Under the bright lights of the Adelaide Oval in the second match of the series, the left-arm pacer showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations, finishing with figures of 2/39 in his four-over spell. His dismissals were crucial, removing the dangerous Nicholas Pooran for 18 before sending Sherfane Rutherford back for a duck, effectively stifling the West Indies' counterattack.

In the second T20I against a touring Pakistan in late 2024, Johnson unleashed a spellbinding performance, capturing his maiden fifer at international cricket by scalping 5 for 26 at Sydney.

In December 2024, the Brisbane Heat secured a significant coup by extending the contract of their pace spearhead, Spencer Johnson, ensuring his association with the franchise till the end of 2028. This extension underscores the franchise's commitment to retaining top-tier talent and solidifying its competitive edge in the BBL.

In February 2025, Johnson's burgeoning cricket career reached a significant milestone when he was named in Australia's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The tournament marked Johnson's maiden ICC trophy, but unfortunately, the Australian team were knocked out by India in the semifinals. 

For IPL 2025, the Australian fast bowler was acquired by KKR for INR 2.8 crore. Although he faced a depreciation in the price tag as the Gujarat Titans had his services for INR 10 crore in IPL 2024. 

(As of April 2025)