Australian pacer Spencer Johnson has been ruled out of the T20 series against England and Scotland due to a side strain.

The 28-year-old, who took six wickets in five matches during his debut season last summer, suffered the injury while playing for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred competition.

Johnson managed just five deliveries before he was attended to by medics.

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“(Johnson) will return home for further assessment rehabilitation before the Australian summer,” a statement by Cricket Australia said.

The news comes at an inconvenient time for the rising star whose arrival onto the international scene has seen great success across all leagues.

Johnson took 18 wickets at 14.47 to help the Brisbane Heat become champions in the BBL finals last summer.

His efforts in the final earned him a $1.78 million IPL deal with the Gujurat Titans.

Sean Abbott has been named as Johnson’s replacement for the white-ball series, having already been a member of the playing group during the one-day internationals.

Mitchell Marsh will captain the side in both tests in the absence of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who have been rested from the series.