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Spencer Johnson suffers a blow ahead of T20 World Cup as Brisbane Heat confirm BBL absence

Mayank

Spencer Johnson has played for the Brisbane Heat in 28 matches since 2023 [Source- AFP Photos]Spencer Johnson has played for the Brisbane Heat in 28 matches since 2023 [Source- AFP Photos]

Left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson is set to miss out on the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 season, which is set to begin from December 14. This is due to the persisting back problems the bowler had been facing since Australia's tour to West Indies in July 2025, when he suffered a blow during the training sessions.

What initially looked like a disc issue, which he had previosly suffered with turned out to be a stress fractures in the scans. Despite the rehabilitation, including pilates and swimming, the latest scans in October did not show any optimistic results and any chances of potential return to the BBL, late in the tournament were ruled out.

Brisbane Heat confirm Spencer Johnson's absence from BBL 2025/26

On December 3, just 10 days ahead of the competition, Heat took to their socials and confirmed that the bowler will not take any part in the tournament and assured him of the required support.

"Spencer continues to recover from a back injury and pleasingly, this is improving. However, the latest timeframe for his return to play does not enable him to participate in the BBL this season. We’re all disappointed for Spencer but will provide him with ongoing support as he continues to recover," read the Heat CEO, Terry Svenson's statement.

Johnson also shared the news with the Heat fans and asked them to back the team once again this season again, as they go on a pursuit of their third title.

“I’ve had plenty of expert support from everyone involved in the process and I am very confident that I will be back and doing what I love as soon as possible. I know the Heat fans will be 100 percent behind the squad again this season and I will be cheering on with them from the sidelines,” said the bowler.

The 29-year-old made his BBL debut in 2023 for the Brisbane-based franchise and has played 28 matches for them, scalping 41 wickets, including the best figures of 4/20. He was their leading wicket-taker in the title-winning 2023/24 season, when he picked 19 wickets, which includes a 4/26 in the final against Sydeny Sixers.

This injury also comes at an unofortunate time for Johnson, as he was aiming to make it to the Aussie squad for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting February. It also remains to be seen whether the Indian Premier League teams bet on him for the next season, with the mini-auction closing in.