Aussie paceman Johnson retires from cricket

Searing Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson on Tuesday announced his retirement from all international cricket at the end of the ongoing Test against New Zealand, joining a host of fellow veterans who recently called it a day. “I feel now is the best time to say goodbye,” the 34-year-old said in a statement ahead of the fifth day’s play at Perth’s WACA Ground. “It’s been an incredible ride. But the ride has to come to an end at some point and to do so here at the WACA is very special.”

Back in the pavilion He follows Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson into retirement, who all quit after the recent Ashes series against England.

Speculation had been rife about Johnson’s future ahead of the second Test against the Kiwis, with the bowler admitting last week that he thought about retirement “most days”.

On his adopted home ground which has been the scene of some of his most lethal spells during a 73-Test career, he returned dismal figures of 1-157 in the first innings against New Zealand.

His sole wicket moved the left-armer past Brett Lee With a haul of 311, behind Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708).

“I’ve given the decision a lot of thought,” said Johnson, who told his teammates of his decision at the conclusion of play on the fourth day. “Beyond this match, I’m just not sure that I can continue competing consistently.”

After his first class debut with Queensland in 2001, Johnson got into the Test team in 2007. He later moved to Western Australia. His best haul was 8-61 against South Africa, at the WACA Ground, in 2008.