Mitchell Johnson retires from all forms of the game

The 36-year-old Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The quickie had retired from international cricket way back in 2015, but continued playing T20 leagues around the world. He was also a part of the IPL 2018 for Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he picked just two wickets in the six games he played in the season.

Johnson had hoped to continue playing in various T20 leagues till mid 2019 but his body is not cooperating him and the eventual decision is to retire from all forms. He also mentioned that he had a few back problems during the IPL 2018. He went on to thank the Perth Scorchers team management for everything and stated that he is open to the coaching duties in future.

“It is over. I’ve bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Johnson was quoted as saying by PerthNow. “I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down. During this year’s Indian Premier League tournament I had a few back problems and that was probably a sign that it was time to move on.”

“If I can’t play at 100 per cent then I can’t give my best to the team. And for me it’s always been about the team. I’d like to thank the Scorchers for the last two fantastic summers and the WACA for everything my adopted cricket home has done for me over the past decade. Christina Matthews and the team there have always bent over backwards to help me out. A huge thank you to the fans as well.”

Various cricketers after retirement have opted to stay on the cricket field by taking different coaching positions. The retired paceman has the same idea of taking up any coaching or mentorship role of any side in the future. Mitchell Johnson was very successful for his performances in the 2013-14 Ashes in Australia. He dominated the English batsmen with his fiery pace bowling.

“I will never forget the atmosphere at the WACA Ground or the smiling faces of the kids. My competitive urge hasn’t left me and hopefully, that’s something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future. I’m a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength,” he added.

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