Australia fast bowler Spencer Johnson has expressed his hopes to replicate Starc’s heroics during the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
Starc has decided to skip the ICC event due to personal reasons as Australia will also be without the services of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the tournament, starting on February 19.
Johnson has been named as a like-for-like replacement for Starc and was impressive during the first ODI defeat against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
He picked up a wicket in his very first over and completed his bowling with a figures of 2/44. Speaking after the match, Spencer Johnson said that he has pictured himself playing a similar role to starc.
Johnson was also confident he would get better in the longer run and will be able to do some of the things that Starc had done in ODI cricket.
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“While the ball is swinging, it’s (the approach) pitch the ball up and try and hit the stumps,” he said.
“Guys like Trent Boult (New Zealand) and Starcy, left-armers who are aggressive, hopefully it’s what I can bring to Pakistan.
“It’s something I have pictured in my mind, come in and play a similar role to him (Starc). There was a bit of nerves there.
“I think I am better for the run, it’s only my third ODI, hopefully a few more and I’ll be able to replicate some of the stuff he’s done.”
Spencer Johnson also feels that the selection into the playing 11 is in hands and said he wants to force the hand of the selectors and pick him and Starc in the sme lineup in the future.
“I think it is in my hands, really, if I perform then I’ll be around,” he said. It’s up to performances, I feel like I am ready to play for Australia and had a little bit of a taste in T20 cricket and now some ODIs.”
“Heading to Pakistan is exciting and I am ready to go.” Australia will face Sri Lanka in the second ODI on February 14.
As per Australia’s Champions Trophy schedule, their first match will be against England on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium.
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