Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all levels of cricket.

Johnson, 36, said he had hoped to continue playing in Twenty20 competitions around the world but his body was "shutting down" and some back problems during the Indian Premier League had reinforced that it was time to finish.

"It's over. I've bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket," Johnson wrote on Perth Now. "Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket.

"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."

Johnson had previously ruled out playing in the upcoming Big Bash League, saying the expanded format with all teams playing 14 games - up from 10 - in the regular season was too demanding for him.

"When I sat down with new Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges recently to discuss my future he was interested in me playing on again this summer," Johnson wrote.

"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."

Johnson played 73 Tests for Australia, claiming 313 wickets, and also played 153 ODIs before retiring from international cricket in 2015.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

BDST: 1417 HRS, AUG 19, 2018
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