Spencer Johnson in Ashes consideration after Australia A call-up

Australia domestic cricketer Spencer Johnson has become a prominent prospect for the upcoming Ashes. Johnson first came into light after his brilliant outing in the Big Bash League 2023 for Brisbane Heat in his maiden season. 

Even in his Sheffield Shield outings, he has managed to bag two successive five-wicket hauls in as many as games for South Australia. Johnson, alongwith Victoria pacer Mitchell Perry, has been included in the Australia A squad, to play two four-day games in New Zealand.

“We are committed to the continued expansion of the Australia A program and these games are specifically designed to expose these players to conditions they may not experience in Australia," national selector George Bailey said in a statement.

Cricket Australia keen on keeping solid backups for Ashes series

The former Australia cricketer stated that the management believed it was important to give upcoming young talents a chance to gain experience at the international stage, as it would enable them to upgrade their skills and allow the management to have quality backups. 

“The squad contains some experienced, strong performers in state cricket, along with several emerging players we believe have exciting futures ahead of them. With an Ashes this winter and a tour of New Zealand early next year, this is a great opportunity for this group to perform in similar environments to those countries," he said.

"We are committed to the continued expansion of the Australia A program and these games are specifically designed to expose these players to conditions they may not experience in Australia," Bailey said. "With an Ashes this winter and a tour of New Zealand early next year, this is a great opportunity for this group to perform in similar environments to those countries. Having Pete Handsomb, Matt Renshaw, Mitch Swepson and Jimmy Peirson will add experience as senior players who can impart their knowledge of different conditions."

Australia A squad to tour New Zealand: Wes Agar, Xavier Bartlett, Aaron Hardie, Peter Handscomb, Spencer Johnson, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Joel Paris, Mitch Perry, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Tim Ward, Teague Wyllie

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