Massive Blow for Australia: T20 World Cup Dream Shattered as Mitchell Starc’s ‘Successor’ Ruled Out with Serious Injury

Sydney/Brisbane (The Uttam Hindu): Australia has suffered a major setback ahead of the T20 World Cup 2025. Rising left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson, known for his pace, has been ruled out of the entire Big Bash League (BBL) season due to a serious back injury. This injury has almost ended his chances of making it to the World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old was last seen playing in the IPL, where he first complained of back pain. Initially, it was believed to be an old disc issue, but ahead of the T20 series against the West Indies in July, the pain increased during training. Medical scans revealed a stress fracture in his back. Johnson underwent months of rehab, including Pilates and swimming, but could not fully recover.

His BBL team, Brisbane Heat, has officially confirmed that he will not be available this season. Heat CEO Terry Svenson said, “Spencer is recovering, but the timeline does not allow him to return for this BBL season. We are disappointed for him, but he has our full support.”

Spencer Johnson was widely seen as the future successor to star pacer Mitchell Starc. Australia is scheduled to play its first World Cup match on February 11, and Johnson’s selection in the final 15-member squad now looks impossible. In his absence, pacers like Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett have strengthened their positions, and Pat Cummins is also expected to return.

Despite the injury, Johnson has not given up. He will continue his rehab in Adelaide. He has registered for the IPL 2026 auction with a base price of ₹1.5 crore. After the last season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released him. Johnson hopes to fully recover and return to the field before the IPL begins.