Surrey sign Spencer Johnson for Vitality Blast to cover England stars heading to World Cup

Surrey have signed Australian quick Spencer Johnson for the first part of the Vitality Blast, as they look to plug the gap left by their World Cup-bound England stars.

Johnson excelled in the Oval Invincibles side that won last year's men's Hundred, memorably claiming three-for-one from 20 deliveries in a game against Manchester Originals.

The left-armer, currently on duty with Gujarat Titans at the Indian Premier League, will be available for the first eight group-stage Blast matches, having been left out of Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup.

Surrey quartet Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Reece Topley and Will Jacks are all in England's squad, while all-rounder Jamie Overton is sidelined as he awaits a further set of scans on a back injury.

Surrey had agreed a deal with Australian Aaron Hardie, but he was withdrawn by Cricket Australia over workload concerns.

Johnson said: "I'm very excited to join Surrey and I have some fantastic memories from playing at the Kia Oval last year."