In a tale that epitomizes the essence of perseverance and dedication, Spencer Johnson‘s journey from a landscape gardener to an IPL sensation is nothing short of inspiring. Just over a year ago, Johnson found himself without a professional cricket contract, working diligently in the greenery while nurturing his dream to play at the highest level.
Standing tall at 194cm, the left-arm quick had always shown immense potential, but persistent injuries had hindered his path to on-field success. As 2023 dawned, he had yet to make his debut in the Big Bash or first-class cricket. His cricketing profile, save for those in the know at the SACA and Brisbane Heat, remained relatively obscure.
However, everything changed for Johnson on January 11 when he made his BBL debut for Brisbane Heat. His breakout performance in KFC BBL|12 soon earned him a first-class debut for South Australia. The cricketing world took notice when he delivered a sensational spell of 3-1 during his UK Hundred debut for the Oval Invincibles, bowling out stalwarts like Jos Buttler and Phil Salt.
His rapid progression reached new heights when he made his international debut for Australia in a T20 International against South Africa, followed by an ODI debut against India.
Spencer johnson kept his base price at 50 lakhs only.
Despite an impressive cricketing resume, Johnson approached the IPL auction with modest expectations, placing himself at the base price of INR 50 Lakhs (approximately A$90,000). As the auction unfolded in Dubai, Johnson watched nervously from Australia, with hopes not soaring too high.
Reflecting on the nerve-wracking experience, Johnson said, “I think the longer it went, I guess you start to lose a little bit of hope. So the longer it was going, I think the less chance I had. But at the end of the day I was in a position where I was in the auction, and this time last year I wasn’t. So whatever happened was going to happen, and anything would have been a good result.”
However, what transpired went beyond anyone’s expectations. The Gujarat Titans and the Delhi Capitals, led by Ricky Ponting, engaged in a fierce bidding war during the ‘accelerated round.’ Eventually, Delhi conceded defeat, and Gujarat secured Johnson for an astonishing A$1.78 million – a staggering 20 times his reserve price.
This life-changing deal catapulted Johnson into the league of the highest-paid Australian players at IPL 2024, trailing only the likes of Mitchell Starc (A$4.43m), Pat Cummins (A$3.67m), Cameron Green (A$3.15m), and Glenn Maxwell (A$2m).
Spencer Johnson’s incredible journey serves as a testament to the belief that with determination and talent, one can rise from the most unexpected places to achieve remarkable success on the grandest stages of cricket.
Spencer Johnson on getting selected in IPL 2024.
“It’s obviously a pretty special moment, I never really thought I’d be in this situation,” Johnson said at Brisbane Airport, before travelling with Heat teammates to face the Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
“But it was nice to get on the FaceTime back home in Adelaide (with) mum and to see her smile.
“It’s not just my moment, I guess it’s a moment for my whole family and they’ve been there the whole way. So for them to experience it as well, it’s pretty special.
“Eighteen months (ago) I didn’t have a state deal or a Big Bash contract. I was working as a landscaper and greenskeeper. So fast-forward 18 months, yeah it’s definitely different situations.”
Despite making his BBL and Marsh Sheffield Shield debuts relatively late, at the age of 27, the fast bowler, known for his ability to consistently hit speeds of 150 km/h, never wavered in his belief that success was just around the corner.
“I feel like I had the potential, it was just a question of getting myself right. I’ve always had that inner belief, but it was more if my body would let me (get there).”