Spencer Johnson has been named in the Brisbane Heat’s 13-man squad for their Boxing Day clash with the Perth Scorchers.
JOHNSON NAMED TO RETURN
Johnson, who looms as a $121k cheapie, has missed Brisbane’s first two games with a toe injury. Brisbane’s update said: “Australian left-arm pace bowler Spencer Johnson returns from a toe injury that forced him out of the first two Heat matches and is line to play his first match of BBL|14.”
Johnson had said on Channel Seven prior to Sunday’s match against Adelaide Strikers: “I’m not too far away, I had a good bowl (on Saturday) and it’s progressing well.
“I’ve got a little bit of a sore toe so it’s a little bit embarrassing – the third toe is a bit angry at the minute, but I think it should be ready to go Boxing Bay in Perth. I’ll have a bowl (today), and we’ll fly to Perth on Christmas Day.”
Brisbane also provided an update on Michael Neser: “Fellow quick Michael Neser (hamstring) continues to build towards a playing return later in the BBL.”
And the Heat added that Tom Alsop’s BBL|14 campaign isn’t over despite reports. The update said: “Alsop hopes to make his return from injury with the Heat after that date (January 6).”
That date represents when overseas replacement player Tom Banton will be available for his final game. Banton missed their last game but has overcome jet lag and is set to play.
Ins: Banton, Johnson / Outs: Whitney, Straker, Whitney
Heat squad: Munro (c), Banton, Bartlett, Bryant, Drew, Johnson, Kuhnemann, McSweeney, Peirson, Prestwidge, Renshaw, Swepson, Walter
The rest of the squads for Boxing Day are yet to be named.
STARS UPDATES
The availability of Stars spinner Hamish McKenzie for their Round 3 double remains up in the air, especially with Usama Mir arriving in Australia.
Honeyball understands McKenzie was due to meet with the club’s meeting team on Christmas Eve to determine his availability.
Doubt still surrounds captain Marcus Stoinis’ availability having spent a few days in Perth earlier this week, with Honeyball unable to confirm if he’ll travel to Sydney for the Boxing Day clash with the Sixers.
STRIKERS UPDATES
Adelaide Strikers middle-order bat James Bazley is one who stayed in his native Queensland following his side’s loss to the Brisbane Heat, but he’ll fly to Adelaide on Boxing Day to play against Hobart on Friday.
The availability of Strikers teammate Jake Weatherald remains unclear, having missed last game following back spasms experienced against the Stars, forcing him not to field.
Honeyball understands Adelaide will make a call on Weatherald, pending the back pain easing and resolving.
KONSTAS LOCKED IN
Sam Konstas has been confirmed for his Australia Test debut against India on Boxing Day, providing more clarity for the trickle-on BBL effects.
Konstas will now be unavailable for the Sydney Thunder until around Round 7, meaning he’s likely a trade-out, despite his low breakeven.
It remains to be seen if either Josh Inglis or Beau Webster are required, with some doubt lingering about Travis Head who has a “small strain to the quad” but coach Andrew McDonald is “really confident” he’ll be fit.
Scott Boland has basically been confirmed as the replacement in the XI for Josh Hazlewood, so we’ll wait and see if that frees up Sean Abbott or Jhye Richardson, whose BBL clubs both play on Boxing Day.
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