Australian legend Michael Hussey believes gun quick Spencer Johnson has all the makings to be a Test fast bowler – but only if he wants to “invest in the red-ball game”.
Hussey’s comments came amid Johnson’s latest impressive outing, which saw him break a Brisbane Heat BBL record during Friday night’s Qualifier clash against the Sydney Sixers.
Johnson finished with the brilliant figures of 2-12 from his allotted four overs at Heritage Bank Stadium. His spell included a maiden over – one of just seven so far in BBL13 – and an incredible 18 dot balls – the most by a Heat bowler in an innings in BBL history.
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Bowling at speed and showing great discipline with his line and length, the left-arm paceman sent down a wicket-maiden in his first over before conceding just one run in both his second and fourth overs.
Only Moises Henriques got hold of Johnson, producing a four then a six at the start of Johnson’s second over before the Heat star regained control.
“He’s been superb,” Hussey told Fox Cricket after Johnson had completed his spell.
Johnson endured a phenomenal 2023 calendar year, rising from a relatively unknown BBL debutant to an IPL contract with the Gujarat Titans worth A$1.78m – just under 20 times his base price.
In between, Johnson played three international limited-overs matches for Australia, while he also impressed in The Hundred for the Oval Invincibles.
The 28-year-old also managed three first-class matches for South Australia, taking 16 wickets – including two five-wicket hauls – at an average of 22.06.
Johnson is seen as a potential long-term replacement for fellow left-armer Mitchell Starc when he retires. He was on standby for the fourth and fifth Tests in last year’s Ashes series should Starc have been unavailable due to injury.
Asked if Johnson had the potential to represent Australia at Test level, Hussey said: “It’s a good question. I guess it comes down to what he wants to do.
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“If he wants to invest in the red-ball game, play Sheffield Shield cricket and get some four-day cricket under his belt, there’s no question.
“But the carrot is so big for all the white-ball stuff at the moment. There are so many different opportunities around the world. Maybe it’s a bit easier on the body to just do the white-ball stuff.
“The thing he’s got to weigh up is the toll on the body. He has had injury problems in the past.”
Johnson has taken 12 wickets at 19.08 for the Brisbane Heat in BBL13.
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