DHAKA: Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson announced his retirement from international and first-class cricket immediately after the end of ongoing WACA Test, reports espncricinfo.

Johnson said he was happy to keep playing “as long as I’m performing well and doing my job in the team then mentally I'm feeling pretty good”.

However, Johnson has been conclusively tamed by Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the 1st innings of ongoing WACA Test, returning the figures of 1 for 157, the most expensive by an Australian bowler in all Tests in Perth.

Johnson reached the decision to end his Test playing days on the fourth evening.

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

“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 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.

Johnson has played 73 Tests, claiming 311 wickets for Australia, behind only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee. He was the key figure in Australia's 5-0 Ashes sweep in 2013-14, claiming a staggering 37 wickets across the five Tests and leaving an indelible mark with his pace and intimidation.

A follow-up performance in South Africa further enhanced Johnson’s reputation as one of the most frightening fast bowlers to have played the game, but his returns have trailed off gradually since, and after struggling for impact in the two Tests of this series against New Zealand he has decided to finish.

His state coach Justin Langer paid tribute to Johnson's achievements saying “he retires as one of Australia's greatest ever fast bowlers” though “he was injury-ravaged early, written off, criticized and probably wondered whether he would ever make it”.

His decision has also coincided with the maturing of Mitchell Starc, who has developed consistency to go with his pace and swing and has notably outdone his more senior left-arm paceman at the WACA Ground.

The dual use of Starc and Johnson in the same attack has been a source of considerable selection angst for several years, no more so than against England when they struggled for role definition as two strike bowlers in a four-man attack.

BDST: 0851 HRS, NOV 17, 2015
SR