Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson took a record-breaking 3 for 1 in his first game in the UK Hundred, continuing to validate his selection in Australia's T20I squad.
Selected in Australia's squad for the upcoming T20I series in South Africa on Monday, Johnson has continued to plead his case after a terrific breakout BBL season with the Brisbane Heat in which he was a heavy contributor on their way to the final.
Johnson posted an impressive spell in his maiden appearance for the Invincibles, bowling the opening spell which allowed only one run to the opposing Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. After the Invincibles scored 5-186 batting first, Johnson conceded no runs in the first five balls in the innings and in his second set of five conceded just a single to Buttler.
Leaving the Manchester Originals side in a frustrated state, both opening batsmen were eventually dismissed for a combined 25 runs at a run rate of 71.4.
Returning for the closing overs, Johnson dismissed the tailenders that included Usama Mir, Tom Hartley and Josh Little for a combined scoreless effort. The 27-year-old would cap off his spell with figures of 1/3. His figures were the most economical 20-ball effort to date in the Hundred - currently in its third season.
His contributions enabled the Invincibles to beat the Manchester Originals by a record-setting 94 runs, propelling the South London team to the top of the Hundred table.
The South Australian was left flustered speaking to the media post-match.
"I'm speechless, not really sure what's going on," Johnson said.
"I'm pinching myself…I've had a bit of a tough run with injury but I'm 27 now and come out the other side, I'm just really enjoying my cricket and lucky to be here."
Captain Sam Billings said his ability to swing the ball into the Originals' top-order at high pace proved crucial on a quick Oval surface.
"To provide a performance like that against Jos Buttler and Phil Salt as well, two of the best players in the world at the moment, I can't really put into words how special that bowling performance is," Billings said.
"Of course, that kind of pitch suited him down to the ground, raw pace, but you've got to still do it. Really, really good from him."
The left-arm will hope to have finally earned his debut in Australia's upcoming series in South Africa, starting on August 30.
