Spencer Johnson’s recovery is aided by Mitchell Starc’s late-night texts.

A recurrent hamstring ailment sidelined Australian speedster Spencer Johnson and the Brisbane Heat ahead of the 2019 BBL season. This setback came after a strong T20I and ODI cricket debut for Australia earlier in 2023. Known for bowling with the same left arm as his idol Mitchell Starc, he was devastated and disturbed after tearing his second hamstring on his debut against India in September.

But during a dark period, Johnson took solace in a text from Mitchell Starc, his role model. After the injury, he was having trouble sleeping, but Starc’s words of encouragement revived his spirits and inspired him to mount a valiant recovery for the Australian team.

“Starcy gave me my ODI cap and said some kind things, but what he did after the game is what I will always remember. Regretfully, during that game, I injured my hammy. At one in the morning, when I was staring at the ceiling, my phone lit up. It turned out to be a note from Starcy wishing me luck. You’ve had an incredible year,” Johnson reportedly said, according to cricket.com.au.

“When you return to Australia, find the positive aspects of your experience and make an effort to better yourself. Take pride in your accomplishments.” Receiving a message such as that was really beneficial and interesting. Starcy comes in front. He confessed, “I tried to model my game around him for the last 12 years that I watched him.”

Johnson finds motivation from Starc while recovering.

Spencer took encouragement from Starc’s advice and continued to concentrate on his recuperation in spite of the setback. After returning from India, he underwent 10 weeks of intensive therapy, doing everything possible to get well again. Even though the slight grade one tear he sustained during training in South Africa got worse during the India tour, he was still hopeful about playing when the Brisbane Heat took on the Melbourne Stars in their inaugural game.

The 27-year-old will look back on his breakthrough BBL season and try to repeat his outstanding late-over bowling that won him praise. Starc recently signed a non-playing contract with the Sydney Sixers, but Johnson is still focused on using his recuperation to lead the Brisbane Heat to victory in the next games.