Australian News – Spencer Johnson has decided to pull out of the UK Tour, Sean Abbott has been called up

Johnson, who came up quickly in the BBL with the Brisbane Heat, has played five T20Is and one ODI since making his debut against South Africa last year. He is tipped to replace Mitchell Starc in the T20 side once that opening becomes permanent.

Starc has been rested for the T20Is against Scotland and England but will play in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour but Josh Hazlewood is part of both teams.

Xavier Bartlett, who made his international debut last season, and Nathan Ellis are the other top bowlers in the T20I squad along with Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis.

Australia’s selectors have one eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months’ time although they are not drawing a line on Starc or Cummins in the format.

Johnson’s aim will now be to recover in time for the start of Australia’s home season where he plays for South Australia. After the UK tour, Australia’s next T20Is are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November which could be another opportunity for Johnson as quick Tests are unlikely due to the proximity of the first Test in Perth.

After the Pakistan series, Australia are not scheduled to play T20Is until next July in the West Indies.

Team Australia T20I vs Scotland and England

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa