Brisbane Heat quick Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of BBL|15 due to a long-term back injury that has seen him sidelined since April.
Two months ago, Johnson had indicated he was making progress and hoped to return to action midway through the BBL in January, not ruling out playing at the T20 World Cup.
But those dreams are now gone, with Heat CEO Terry Svenson revealing he’s succumbed to injury for BBL|15.
“Spencer continues to recover from a back injury and pleasingly, this is improving,” Svenson told Code Sports
“However, the latest time frame 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.
“He’s fought back admirably from injury earlier in his career and I have no doubt he will again be dedicated to making a full recovery in the future.”
The Heat also appear set to be without young quick Cal Vidler due to injury and Michael Neser’s availability is unclear having been called into the Ashes Test squad.
Big-name fast bowling recruit Shaheen Afridi is also set to miss a chunk of games in January after Pakistan announced a T20I series against Sri Lanka.
View here for our predicted Brisbane Heat Round 1 line-up
