An emotional Spencer Johnson has lauded the Brisbane Heat for resurrecting his cricket career, saying the T20 franchise “changed my life” just over 12 months ago.
Johnson on Wednesday night capped off a remarkable BBL13 campaign with a man-of-the-match performance and career-best figures, taking 4-26 against the Sydney Sixers to inspire the Heat to their second BBL title and justify his monster IPL deal.
Riddled by injuries, the South Australian was virtually unknown before his BBL debut for the Brisbane Heat in January last year. He then endured a phenomenal 2023 calendar year, leading to an IPL contract with the Gujarat Titans worth A$1.78m – just under 20 times his base price.
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In between, Johnson played three international limited-overs matches for Australia, while he also impressed in The Hundred for the Oval Invincibles. The 28-year-old also managed three first-class matches for South Australia, taking 16 wickets – including two five-wicket hauls – at an average of 22.06.
Asked by Fox Cricket’s Megan Barnard how good it felt to be a BBL Champion, Johnson simply said post-match: “You beauty.”
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He was then asked to elaborate before becoming emotional.
“I don’t want to swear, but unbelievable,” Johnson told Fox Cricket.
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“I owe the Brisbane Heat everything. Coming up here last year, didn’t know where my career was going – and now I’ve just won the Big Bash with 11 of my closest mates. It’s pretty cool.”
Johnson later added: “The Brisbane Heat have changed my life. It’s pretty special.”
Johnson finished BBL13 with 19 wickets at an average of 14.47, while he also had an impressive economy rate of 7.05.
“I tell you what, if he stays fit, he’s going to play for Australia – maybe all formats,” Fox Cricket’s Mark Waugh said.
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After Xavier Bartlett dismissed Steve O’Keefe to seal Brisbane’s 54-run win, Johnson immediately went to the Sixers veteran – who was playing his final BBL match – in a class act before celebrating with his Brisbane teammates.
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“I went and spoke to ‘Sokky’ – he’s had an unbelievable career. He’s owned this stadium, so went to him first,” Johnson said.
“Now we’re going to enjoy this one tonight.”
The Heat’s win on Wednesday in front of a whopping 43,153 on a sultry night in Sydney was their second BBL title and first in 11 years after falling at the final hurdle 12 months ago.
“I feel like we were the best team all year, so we deserved to have a medal around our neck,” Johnson said.