Former Test pace great 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.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
I don't think we saw Mitch at his best to be honest. We all knew what he did in those mentioned series but he didn't do it consistently and/or step up another level which he seemed to be capable of. Coaching particularly in 2010/11 when he was spraying it and mindset didn't help. Farewell sweet prince.
Tigerbill44
Roar Guru
i specially remember the 2013-14 Ashes series; he was too quick for the English.
Peter
Roar Rookie
Great athlete as well. Any fan of any sport could see that in an instant.
JohnB
Guest
As Andy Zaltman said on Cricinfo at the time of Mitch Johnson's test retirement - there have been many greater bowlers but few who have reached such heights of greatness.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
As terrifying as anyone has ever been. Could take it as well as dish it out. Spectacular. A modest, good honest bloke too. Didn't take things too seriously either, being one of the "Homeworkgate Four", which is only ever a good thing.
AREH
Roar Guru
Yes - one of many unbelievable spells of bowling from Johnson that won't be forgotten. South Africa, WACA 2008 New Zealand, Hamilton 2010 England, WACA 2010 -11 Ashes England, at all venues, however Brisbane was truly unbelievable and set the tone for the series, 2013-14 Ashes South Africa, Centurion 2014 Sure he mightn't have replicated this stuff as often as he could've, but his best match-winning performances were nothing short of spectacular.
Nuwan Ranasinghe
Roar Pro
An aggressive and dangerous fast bowler, one of my favourite spells of his was the damage he did at Perth when South Africa came in 2008