Young Aussie Pacer Aims for World Cup Glory Through IPL Heroics

28-year-old left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson has set his sights on the T20 World Cup in June, hoping to cement his spot in the Australian side with an impressive showing in the upcoming IPL season.Having played just 3 international matches for Australia so far, Johnson recognizes the need to make his mark in the glitzy T20 league to catch the eye of selectors.

He was recently snapped up by defending champions Gujarat Titans for a whopping INR 10 crore in the 2024 auction.”I’m just taking it one step at a time, but it would be brilliant to put in some good performances for Australia. The World Cup is still some way off. And if I have a successful IPL then there’s every possibility I’ll be in that World Cup team,” said an optimistic Johnson.

His statement comes on the back of a phenomenal Big Bash League season where he picked up 18 wickets in 10 games for eventual winners Brisbane Heat. This included a match-winning 4/26 in the final against Melbourne Stars, earning him the Man of the Match award.

Johnson has quickly established himself as an exciting prospect, having also plied his trade in overseas leagues like the MLC, The Hundred, and Global T20 Canada. He finished runner-up with Surrey Jaguars last year.The left-armer has 3 international appearances under his belt – 2 T20Is against South Africa and an ODI versus India in 2023. But he hasn’t represented his country since then and recognizes strong IPL returns could change that.

Eager to Grab Any OpportunityJohnson is part of Australia’s 15-member squad currently tied 1-0 in a T20I series at home against West Indies. The second match takes place tomorrow at Optus Stadium.Although left out of the first game, Johnson is raring to go if given a chance on Sunday.”I think my Big Bash performances should hold me in good stead. I can take that confidence into the game and hopefully do well if given an opportunity at Optus too. I’m eager for the challenge and feeling very confident,” he remarked.

The young quick will be hoping to make every appearance count as he looks to catch the eye of selectors and cement a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup defense later this year. With the tournament scheduled to begin on June 1, Johnson doesn’t have much time to make a lasting impression.

His new IPL franchise Gujarat Titans will undoubtedly want to get the most out of their INR 10 crore investment too. So the pressure is on Johnson to translate his BBL heroics into the glamorous Indian Premier League. If he manages that, the T20 World Cup could beckon.