Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson retires from international cricket

Mitchell Johnson says the time is right to “say goodbye” to international cricket after one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers declared he could no longer be a consistent force.

Johnson, 34, has struggled through the opening two Tests against New Zealand, taking just five wickets at an average of 64 heading into day five of the WACA Test, and will retire once the second Test concludes on Tuesday.

Having announced his decision to quit Test and one-day international cricket before play began on day five, Johnson was set to have one final innings with the ball, if as expected, Australia declare their second innings closed.

“I feel now is the best time to say goodbye,” Johnson said.

“I have been lucky enough to have had a wonderful career and enjoyed every moment of playing for my country. 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.

“I’ve given the decision a lot of thought. Beyond this match, I’m just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at the level required to wear the baggy green (cap).

“My career has certainly had its up and downs but I can honestly say I have given it my all and am proud of everything I have achieved. To win an Ashes series and a World Cup is something I will treasure forever.”

Johnson featured in two successful World Cup campaigns, playing an integral role in this year’s win over New Zealand, while being a squad member of the victorious 2007 side in the Caribbean.

He began day five of the Test with 311 Test wickets – outright fourth on Australia’s all-time leading wicket-takers list.

There was growing speculation on Monday that Johnson would retire, and that intensified when his Queensland-based manager Sam Halvorsen was spotted in the Australian dressing room post play.

Johnson said leading into this Test that he contemplated retirement almost on a daily basis, having also considered ending his career after the losing Ashes series, when several of his closest teammates, including Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris, had also retired.

His efforts during the Black Caps’ first innings at the WACA indicated he no longer had the fire to be Australia’s spearhead, with Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood taking the new ball ahead of him.

“My family have been by my side throughout and I could not have achieved all I have without their support. They have made a lot of sacrifices, especially my beautiful wife Jess who has provided me with unconditional support, and I am incredibly grateful for that,” Johnson said.

“They say the greatest thing about playing sport is the friends you make along the way and I have been fortunate enough to play and work with some incredible people and have cemented lifelong friendships.

“I would certainly like to thank the people of Australia, and all those around the world, who have supported me. The encouragement I have received has been extremely humbling and playing in front of them is certainly something I will miss.”

Johnson’s last five-wicket haul was 15 Tests ago against South Africa in Centurion in February last year when he took 12 wickets for the match.

His retirement continues a major overhaul of the side since the Ashes. Along with Haddin and Harris, the latter retiring on the eve of that series, Chris Rogers and former skipper Michael Clarke have also quit.

Johnson may continue playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League.

Cricket Australia chairman David Peever praised Johnson’s career.

“Dennis Lillee was certainly right many years ago when he identified a young Mitchell Johnson as a future great of Australian cricket,” he said.

“In many ways the sight of Mitchell as a moustached tearaway conjured memories of Lillee at his peak, not just in appearance, but for some of the most devastating fast bowling ever produced by an Australian.

“There have been countless highlights, but no one will ever forget his incredible performance in the 2013-14 Ashes when he took that series by storm, only to repeat those efforts soon after in the history-making win over South Africa in South Africa.”

MITCH’S MAGNIFICENT NUMBERS

311 wickets from 73 Tests at an average of 22.35

239 wickets from 153 ODIs at an average of 25.26

38 wickets from 30 T20Is at an average of 20.97

12-127, his career-best Test match figures recorded in Australia’s win over South Africa in Centurion in 2014

8-61, his career-best Test innings figures recorded in Australia’s loss to South Africa in Perth in 2008

6-31, his career-best ODI figures recorded in Australia’s win over Sri Lanka in Kandy in 2011

2 Sir Garfield Sobers trophies, awarded to the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and 2014

Two-time World Cup winner, he failed to play a game in Australia’s undefeated 2007 campaign but was part of the squad

37 wickets, Johnson’s stunning haul in the 2013-14 Ashes. It was five short of breaking the record for most scalps in an Ashes series, but Rodney Hogg achieved that in six Tests.

156.8 km/hr, the fastest speed his bowling was clocked at. It came in the 2013 Boxing Day Test against England.

Twice, the number of times he broke Graeme Smith’s hand in 2009. Also broke Kumar Sangakkara’s hand in 2012, while the menacing paceman broke Ryan McLaren’s arm in 2014.