Cricket

Australia and Pakistan will clash in the third and final T20I of their three-match series on Monday, November 18, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The hosts, Australia, have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, but Pakistan will be determined to salvage a consolation victory.In the second T20I on Saturday, Australia's Spencer Johnson starred with a brilliant 5-26, helping his team to a narrow 13-run victory. Pakistan, chasing a modest target of 148, were bowled out for 134 in the final over despite a valiant 52 from Usman Khan.Australia made a strong start to the second T20I, removing Pakistan captain Babar Azam for just 3 runs in the second over. Johnson then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan and Iftikhar Ahmed to leave Pakistan reeling at 15-3.Usman Khan and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild the innings, but Johnson returned to claim the wicket of Rizwan for 23. Khan continued to fight, hitting 52 off 41 balls, but Pakistan's chase was derailed by the loss of wickets at regular intervals.Australia's bowlers maintained their discipline throughout the innings, with Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, and Xavier Bartlett all chipping in with wickets. In the end, Pakistan fell short by 13 runs, handing Australia a comfortable series victory.As the series moves to Hobart for the third and final T20I, Pakistan will be desperate to avoid a whitewash. They will need their top-order batsmen to fire and their bowlers to be more economical. Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their dominance and complete a clean sweep of the series.

Australia's bowlers, led by Spencer Johnson's five-wicket haul, put in a dominant performance to secure a series victory over Pakistan in the second T20I match.Johnson's devastating spell of 5/26 saw him claim the first five wickets of Pakistan's innings, reducing them to 29/5. The visitors never recovered from this early setback, eventually being bowled out for a paltry 134.Usman Khan's half-century (52 off 38) was a lone bright spot for Pakistan, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide any meaningful resistance.Earlier, Australia had posted a modest total of 147, with Matthew Short top-scoring with 32. Haris Rauf was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, taking 4/32.The victory gives Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one match remaining. It also marks the first series defeat for Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan's new white-ball captain.Johnson's performance was particularly impressive, as he became the first Australian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a T20I match against Pakistan. His wickets included the dangerous Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who had scored centuries in the first T20I.Australia's victory was a testament to their bowling strength, which has been a key factor in their recent success in the shortest format. They will be looking to complete a clean sweep of the series in the third and final T20I on Friday.

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson's injury has forced him out of Australia's upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England. The 26-year-old sustained a side strain while playing for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.Johnson's absence has opened the door for New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott, who was initially only included in the ODI squad. Abbott, a leading wicket-taker in the BBL, has also impressed in the Hundred, claiming nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.Johnson's injury is a setback for Australia, who view him as a potential replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side. Starc has been rested for the T20Is but will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour, while Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.Abbott joins Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis as the frontline seamers in the T20I squad. Australia's selectors are keeping an eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months' time, but have not ruled out Starc or Cummins from the format.Johnson's focus will now be on recovering in time for the start of the Australia domestic season, where he plays for South Australia. Australia's next T20Is after the UK tour are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, which could provide another opportunity for Johnson.

Surrey County Cricket Club has bolstered its Vitality Blast squad with the signing of Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson for the first eight matches of the tournament. Johnson, a left-armer, is a familiar face at The Oval, having represented Oval Invincibles in the 2023 campaign.During his stint with Invincibles, Johnson showcased his exceptional skills, claiming five wickets, including a remarkable 3 for 1 off 20 deliveries against Manchester Originals. His impressive performance played a crucial role in Invincibles' successful title run.Johnson's acquisition comes at an opportune time for Surrey, who will be without four key players due to their involvement in the T20 World Cup. Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, and Reece Topley have all been selected by England for the global event.The Australian pacer will join Sean Abbott as Surrey's overseas options for the Blast. The club is permitted to field a maximum of three overseas players in its squad and two in its playing XI."I'm thrilled to join Surrey and have some fantastic memories from playing at the Kia Oval last year," Johnson said. "Surrey has a great squad, and I'm eager to contribute with the ball in front of the passionate crowds in south London."Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of men's cricket, expressed his delight at Johnson's signing. "Spencer is a highly talented cricketer who has proven his abilities in white-ball cricket at the highest levels," Stewart said. "He will strengthen our bowling unit during the early stages of the group stages when we have four players away at the World Cup with England."Despite missing out on Australia's T20 World Cup squad, Johnson remains a highly sought-after player in the T20 circuit. He secured a lucrative deal worth AU$1.78 million (USD1.175 million) with Gujarat Titans in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).Following the Vitality Blast, Johnson will represent LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket before returning to The Oval for his Hundred stint with Invincibles. He could potentially add to his six international caps at the end of the English summer when Australia tours for three T20Is and five ODIs.