New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- With Australia's star fast-bowling trio, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood unavailable for the Champions Trophy, opportunities have opened up for new pacers to make their mark. Among them, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has thrown his support behind left-arm quick Spencer Johnson as the ideal understudy to Starc.

Johnson, a late bloomer at 29, has had limited exposure to international 50-over cricket, having played just three ODIs. His best performance so far came against Sri Lanka, where he picked up 2/44 from seven overs. However, his T20I record is more impressive, highlighted by a stunning 5/26 against Pakistan in Sydney late last year.

Ponting believes Johnson has the potential to make a...