Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson announces retirement with immediate effect

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson announces retirement with immediate effect: Amidst the 2^nd Test between Australia and New Zealand, Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from international cricket with immediate effect and the ongoing will be the last Test and international game of his career.

Johnson has featured in 72 Tests, 153 ODIs and 30 T20Is for Australia picking 310, 239 and 38 wickets respectively.

Since there was a noticeable dip in his performance right from the Ashes and he could just get 4 wickets against 163 runs in the first Test and got a single wicket in the first innings of the second Test giving away 157 runs; the 34 years old pacer decided to call it a day, and in a statement said:

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

“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.”

“When I was back in Perth and watching the Matador Cup on TV, I saw a few of the young guys doing well and it actually made me reflect on a where I’m at in my career,” Johnson wrote at the time.

“I went for a run, really pushed myself hard and in a way it made me realise that I still had the fire to continue competing.

“I was definitely questioning myself after the Ashes series, especially having seen so many guys that I’ve played cricket with pull up stumps.

“I’ve spoken to past players about what they felt when they retired, guys like Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, and they say you’ll just know when the time is right. Physically you can still manage the workload, but it’s the mental side of things that ends up catching up with you.”

“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,” Johnson said. “To win an Ashes series and a Cricket World Cup is something I will treasure forever.

“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.

“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.”

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

“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.

“I am sure there are many batsmen around the world breathing a sigh of relief right now, knowing that they no longer have to face him.

“He leaves the game as one of our all-time great bowlers and as an excellent example to young Australians about what they can achieve through hard work and dedication to their chosen craft.