Aussie skipper backs rookie paceman Johnson to shine in South Africa

Australia's new Twenty20 captain Mitchell Marsh said on Tuesday that the "incredible talent" of uncapped fast bowler Spencer Johnson will make him one to watch on their white-ball tour of South Africa.

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With one-day skipper Pat Cummings sidelined by a fractured wrist but expected to return for October's Cricket World Cup, Marsh will lead Australia in three Twenty20 and five 50-over matches against South Africa, starting next week.

Left-arm quick Johnson, power-hitter Matthew Short and left-arm seamer Aaron Hardie have all earned maiden national call-ups.

Marsh said Johnson, 27, had hit form after a series of injuries earlier in his career.

"We haven't seen much of him because he's had a lot of injuries and he sort of burst onto the scene last year," Marsh told reporters. "He's an incredible talent.

"I faced him in a one-day final and was blown away by his skill and pace, so I think he's going to feel right at home."

T20I Series

Wednesday, 30 August - 18:00 - South Africa vs Australia at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Friday, 01 September - 18:00 - South Africa vs Australia at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Sunday, 03 September – 14:00 - South Africa vs Australia at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

ODI Series

Thursday, 07 September - 13:00 - South Africa vs Australia at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Saturday, 09 September - 13:00 - South Africa vs Australia at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Tuesday, 12 September - 13:00 - South Africa vs Australia at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Friday, 15 September - 13:00 - South Africa vs Australia at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 17 September - 10:00 - South Africa vs Australia at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Marsh said Short and Hardie will