Scott and Johnson earn maiden Big Bash deals

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Young guns Liam Scott and Spencer Johnson have signed their first Big Bash deals, joining the Adelaide Strikers ahead of KFC BBL|10.

Scott, 20, has most recently featured in each of South Australia’s four Marsh Sheffield Shield rounds in Adelaide this season, with a highest score of 61 which saved the game against Victoria.

Scott was also selected in Australia’s U19 World Cup squad that went to South Africa in January, finishing the tournament with 107 runs including a half-century, and four wickets, from six matches.

With his right-arm pace bowling and confident ability to bat in any situation, Scott is a genuine allrounder who adds depth to the Strikers’ squad.

Johnson’s left-arm fast bowling will also bring more firepower to the Strikers’ attack, long touted to be in the Mitchell Starc mould and he even once body-doubled the Australian quick in a promotional shoot.

The 24-year-old spent three seasons on the West End Redbacks rookie list off the back of a standout year with West Torrens in 2016-17, which saw him steer the club to all three Premier Cricket First Grade championships.

At his peak, Johnson can clock speeds up to 140-145km/h, with his considerable pace primed for the Big Bash League.

Head Coach Jason Gillespie said:

“We welcome Liam and Spencer to the Adelaide Strikers, and we are most pleased to be able to offer them their first Big Bash contracts.

“They’re excitement machines, and with Spencer’s left-arm pace and what we’ve seen already with Scotty in the Sheffield Shield, we’re very happy to welcome and continue the development of these fine young players.”

Strikers squad to date: Danny Briggs (OS), Phil Salt (OS), Rashid Khan (OS), Wes Agar, Harry Conway, Travis Head, Spencer Johnson, Michael Neser, Harry Nielsen, Liam O’Connor, Matt Renshaw, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Daniel Worrall.