Vitality T20 Blast sees Spencer Johnson join Surrey

Surrey has signed Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson for the first eight games of the Vitality Blast.

The left-armer, who failed to make the cut for Australia's T20 World Cup squad, is no stranger to south London having played for the Oval Invincibles last summer. He took five wickets for the Invincibles in their successful 2023 campaign, including a remarkable 3 for 1 from 20 deliveries against Manchester Originals. He is currently playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.

Johnson's arrival comes as Surrey looks to bolster a Blast squad that will be missing four players for the T20 World Cup, with Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, and Reece Topley all selected by England. They were also dealt a blow in March when Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie was ruled out for three months to manage his workload. Johnson joins Sean Abbott as the two overseas options, with a maximum of three in a squad and two in the XI.

Despite missing out on international selection for next month's World Cup in the Caribbean and USA, Johnson remains one of the most sought-after players on the T20 circuit. The Titans handed him a contract worth AU$1.78 million (USD1.175 million) for this year's IPL, although he set a base price of AU$90,000 (USD60,000).

Following the T20 Blast, he will play Major League Cricket for LA Knight Riders before returning to The Oval for his hundred with the Invincibles. He could also add to his six caps at the end of the English summer when Australia tour for three T20Is and five ODIs. Johnson has no say over his domestic commitments as he is not centrally contracted by Cricket Australia.