Australia’s new Twenty20 captain Mitchell Marsh has hailed fast bowler Spencer Johnson as an “incredible talent” as he prepares to make his debut against the Proteas on their white-ball tour of South Africa.

Pat Cummings is out of action with a broken wrist, but he is expected to be back for the World Cup in October. Starting next week, Marsh will lead Australia in three Twenty20 and five 50-over matches against South Africa.

Johnson has a fast left arm and is a big hitter. Matthew Short and the left-arm seamer Aaron Hardie all got their first call-ups to the national team.

Marsh said that Johnson, who is 27 years old, was back in shape after getting hurt a lot 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.”

Marsh said that both Short and Hardie will have chances to show why they should play in the 50-over World Cup in India.

When Australia goes to India before the World Cup, Cummins will take over as ODI captain. Test vice-captain Steve Smith can’t go to South Africa either because he hurt his wrist.

All-rounder Marsh said that he won’t try to “reinvent the wheel” when he’s in charge because he’s already done that as captain of Western Australia.

“I’m just looking forward to the opportunity. We’ll get through South Africa and see how we go, I am available to captain for as long as the team needs me,” he said.