Ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, a young Australian pacer has created a buzz on social media. The Oval Invincibles' pacer, Spencer Johnson, made a remarkable debut in 'The Hundred' on Wednesday. He delivered the most economical 20-ball performance in the history of the tournament. His exceptional display saw him claim three wickets for just one run.
This impressive performance came just two days after Johnson got his maiden National call-up. He was selected for the T20I series against South Africa, which is scheduled for later this month. The 27-year-old pacer showcased his skills by delivering 19 dot balls out of 20 deliveries, contributing significantly to his team's 94-run win over the Manchester Originals.
After the Invincibles put a total of 186-5, Johnson maintained a tight grip on the game. He conceded a single run to England's white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, in his first ten deliveries. In another set of 10 deliveries, Johnson delivered all dots and took three wickets, including two bowled dismissals. This has to be one of the most impressive performances in the history of the tournament.
"I am lucky to be here", says Spencer Johnson
Earlier this week, after the final game of the Global T20, Johnson spoke about his career and experience in The Hundred. He said he is enjoying his game and looking forward to the international tour. "I’m speechless; I'm not really sure what’s going on. I’m pinching myself... I’ve had a bit of a tough run with injuries, but I’m 27 now and have come out the other side. I’m just really enjoying my cricket and lucky to be here", he said.
Meanwhile, Oval Invincibles' skipper Sam Billings praised the left-arm pacer and said he is an asset. "To provide a performance like that against Jos Buttler and Phil Salt as well, two of the best players in the world at the moment, I can’t really put into words how special that bowling performance is," Billings said.
Here is how fans reacted to Spencer Johnson's performance:
With just 1 run conceded, 3 wickets taken, and 19 dot balls out of 20, he's certainly set the bar high. It's exciting to hear that he's likely to make his debut for Australia later this month – his performance will undoubtedly be one to watch out for.
— dotΞxe (@dotexe786) August 10, 2023
Another left arm Aussie pacer ready to fire 🔥👀
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 10, 2023
Aur hum aabhi tak apne old player ke peak ka wait kar rahe hai🤣🤣💯
— Satya P Singh(spbtctrade) (@spsinghweb) August 10, 2023
Best Asia cup XI
— User45 (@140off113) August 10, 2023
1.Rohit
2.Ishan
3.Kohli
4.tilak Verma https://t.co/eY8tkbqnzc
6.King Lokesh
7.Jadeja
8.Chawla(intelligent spinner)
9.Shami
10.Bumrah
11.Siraj
Our Scout 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ODlcwyI4bh
— 🇦🇰🇦🇸🇭 (@AkashKkrian) August 10, 2023
Umran can become Dale Steyn if he works to Control the ball
— Raiyan Ahmad (@RaiyanA50659666) August 10, 2023
Outswing and Inswing from 4/5 stump channel with the new ball.
Reverse swing and Yorker with the old ball.
And good utilisation of Bouncers .
It will take 2/3 years to develop
This will prolong his career of ICT.
His first 10 balls were to Salt and Buttler,this shows his levels,in such tournaments the performance needs to be judged on the opponent players,in one day cup Shaw had literally no competitive bowler against him,but yet we hype him
— Jayesh (@Jayesh_45) August 10, 2023
Hard I think, Behrendoff is a proven performer.
— コン・ドゥ・グエン (@CongDuNguyen1) August 10, 2023
Punjab Kings Contract ready😂
— Harsh (@cricketharshh) August 10, 2023
future kkr blood pic.twitter.com/uw8fO1wpp4
— Sairus (@bojackchan_4) August 10, 2023
Some franchise in IPL most probably punjab will buy him in the IPL for 6-7cr n not play him more than 2 matches
— Mohammed Abdeali (@MohammedAbdeali) August 10, 2023
I had seen his best in last BBL more than yesterday's match
— Rohit Meghwani🇮🇳 (@RohitMeghwani2) August 10, 2023
But we are backing Polio boys like Mukesh,Unadkat.
— Raiyan Ahmad (@RaiyanA50659666) August 10, 2023
😞😞
Shame on ICT to not select Umran malik.
He will learn with Experience .
He won't learn by heating the bench.
He bowled only 5/6 overs in WI tour so far
If Umran learns to bowl outswing,inswing with the new ball he will be 🔥
He looks like mixture of Cameroon green and stoinis
— harsh हर्ष (@mrHJ27) August 10, 2023
His bowling action is quite similar to Doug Bollinger 😛
— Vishal Poptani (@imvrp_17) August 10, 2023