Mitchell Johnson retires; colleagues and IPL team-mates praise aggressive approach
MITCHELL JOHNSON has decided to call time on his international career, with the fifth day of the second Test against New Zealand at the WACA being his last appearance in the baggy green.
The fast bowler had earlier admitted he was thinking about retirement on the back of his recent performances for Australia. The decision was finally taken during Australia's second home Test, where he bowled a fruitless first innings spell (1-137) on a flat WACA pitch. Johnson has confirmed that his retirement is immediate and he will not be playing the rest of the series or the Australian summer.
"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye,” Johnson said in a statement released before play began at the WACA on Day 5.
"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 Cricket World Cup (earlier this year) 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.
New Zealand's guard of honour for the Aussie bowler as he walked in to bat one last time at his adopted home ground, the WACA in Perth.
The BLACKCAPS acknowledge Mitchell Johnson who walks to the crease during his last Test #AUSvNZ ^CE pic.twitter.com/w8vtgT3LuE
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 17, 2015
The 34-year old pacer finishes the game as Australia's fourth-highest wicket taker in Tests with 313 wickets in 73 Tests, only behind Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708). He has played 153 ODIs for Australia, taking 239 wickets. Johnson will be significantly remembered for his destructive comeback that led Australia to a 5-0 Ashes clean sweep in 2013-2014. A superb tour of South Africa followed, and Johnson's figures read 59 wickets at an average of 15.23 over that period. His mercurial speed terrorised most batsmen and he soon became part of Australia's newfound aggression.
Johnson was awarded the Allan Border Medal in 2014 and was also named the ICC Test Player of the Year in the same year. In the Indian Premier League, Johnson was part of the Mumbai Indians and later plied his trade for the Kings XI Punjab.
The left-armer has had his fair share of lows as well, with some of his poorest performances coming in the 2010 Ashes series in England, and a serious foot injury in 2011 that forced him out of action for one whole year. He used that time to regain fitness and returned to international cricket to become one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
Johnson's departure at the end of the 2nd Test means he will not be a part of the day-night Test against New Zealand on November 27, having already disapproved the use of pink ball in Test cricket. His retirement is the sixth exit from the Australian camp around this year, with Ryan Harris, Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin all leaving the stage before the home summer.
Tributes and good wishes poured in for the Aussie pacer soon after his announcement.
Brings tears to my eyes to think that I won't play again with my great mate @MitchJohnson398. Great team man, great friend & cricket legend
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 17, 2015
Incredible athlete! Congrats on a magnificent career @MitchJohnson398
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 17, 2015
Well done @MitchJohnson398 on a fantastic career.Great competitor and a incredible athlete.You can be very proud of what you achieved #gas
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 17, 2015
Good luck to @MitchJohnson398 who has always been a special bowler. Got to know him well at @mipaltan and enjoyed his aggressive approach!
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 17, 2015
