On 12th February 2025, Spencer Johnson stepped in for superstar pacer Mitchell Starc in the Champions Trophy Australia squad, which is withdrawn from the eight-nation tournament starting from 19th February for personal reasons. Johnson, on the first outing for Australia after calling into the Champions Trophy, has given the team a flying start in the first ODI against Sri Lanka underway at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
The left-armer from Adelaide took the first wicket on the fifth ball of the match with Pathum Nissanka. The Sri Lankan opener was caught behind by Alex Carey for four runs off five balls.
Spencer Johnson strikes in the first over!
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 12, 2025
Nissanka goes after a good low catch from Carey #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/DkCeUbzmJp
Johnson helped the Aussies to dream start in the match by nicking another wicket on the second delivery of his fourth over. The catch was taken by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who himself was drafted into the Australia Champions Trophy 2025 squad on Wednesday, dismissing Kamindu Mendis.
Besides Johnson, Sean Abbott in the ongoing game got one wicket for Australia.
The member of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup-winning squad dismissed Janith Liyanage caught by captain Steve Smith on the third ball of the 15th over.