With rain playing spoilsport at the Gabba, only 13.2 overs could be bowled. Heavy downpour halted play, leading fans to leave the stadium early, even before the match was officially called off. As thousands of fans were exiting the stadium, among them was Australian pacer Spencer Johnson.
Johnson was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹2.80 crore at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah after a bidding war with Punjab Kings. KKR have consistently sought Australian pacers for their squad. From Pat Cummins, John Hastings, Nathan Coulter-Nile, to Mitchell Johnson, and now Spencer, the association between KKR and Australian pacers will continue in the upcoming IPL season. Johnson was at the Gabba to commentate on Day 1 of the third Test between India and Australia and to promote the Big Bash League, which starts on Sunday. He plays for Brisbane Heat in the BBL.
As Johnson walked towards his car, RevSportz briefly caught up with him for a quick chat about the IPL. With KKR aiming to defend their title in IPL 2025, Johnson is eager to team up with the likes of Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Anrich Nortje in what looks like an extremely strong pace attack.
“Pretty excited to play for KKR. We’ve got a very nice pace attack with Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, and others. The squad looks great on paper. Hopefully, we can go back-to-back in our title defense and win the IPL again,” Johnson exclusively told RevSportz.
Mitchell Starc stole the show in the knockouts, including the final of IPL 2025, providing crucial breakthroughs with the new ball. While Johnson acknowledged Starc’s class, he aspires to emulate Starc’s contribution in helping KKR lift the trophy.
“Absolutely, Mitchell Starc is a class in himself. I don’t want to make comparisons, but he did a fabulous job for KKR last season. Hopefully, I can help KKR win some matches, like Starcy did for them last season, and also help the team lift the trophy,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who played for Gujarat Titans last season, is looking forward to bowling against MS Dhoni, explaining the excitement around the legendary wicket-keeper batter.
“I would love to bowl to MS Dhoni and hopefully take his wicket. The atmosphere, the crowd goes bonkers whenever he walks out to bat. It’s always a pleasure bowling to such a legend, but hopefully, I’ll get his wicket too,” Johnson said, while elaborating on why the IPL is considered the best tournament in the world. “Top players from all over the world gather in India. All ten teams are stacked with top talents.
“The competitiveness is on another level. The crowd, the atmosphere is insane. There’s a reason it’s the best T20 tournament in the world. So I’m looking forward to playing in the IPL again,” he concluded.
Day 1 at The Gabba ends in frustration as rain plays spoilsport, washing away most of the action. 🌧️
With just 13 overs bowled, all eyes are now on Day 2, hoping for clear skies and stronger plans from India’s bowlers.
Can we still get a result, or is a draw inevitable? 🤔… pic.twitter.com/JyUSCqGjsu
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 14, 2024
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