Signed with the Brisbane Heat to the end of 2028, Spencer Johnson declared he and Xavier Bartlett had what it would take to be Australia’s future spearheads.

The pair were the leading wicket-takers of the past Big Bash League campaign, triggering the end of the club’s 11-year title drought.

Now they have their sights on the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Bartlett took eight wickets in two one-day appearances and 11 from seven T20s, while Johnson’s 14 scalps in eight T20s was highlighted by figures of 5/26 against Pakistan in November.

Having suffered a toe injury in a Sheffield Shield clash three weeks ago, Johnson admitted he was yet to be confirmed for the Heat’s campaign launch on December 18.

But he believed when he did return, he and Bartlett would issue another reminder of why they must factor in Australia’s World Cup plans, and even next year’s Champions Trophy.

“Without looking too far ahead, what’s in front of me now is 10 Big Bash games, and if I perform there, then I’m sure that stuff will look after itself,” Johnson said.

“I played the last ODI for Australia, even though the big dogs were out, but playing that last one in Perth felt good. I think that white ball format is probably my way into Australia, so hopefully I can keep performing, and I’d love to play in the Champions Trophy.