Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from international cricket

‘The Beast’ retires from the international arena

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement mid-way through the Test series against New Zealand, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. Johnson said it’s getting difficult for him to be consistent now and added this is the right time to say “goodbye” to cricket.

Johnson hasn’t been in good form lately; even in the on-going series against the Kiwis, he has managed to pick only five wickets in the two Tests.

"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye," Johnson 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 (cap).

He continued by saying that winning the Ashes and World Cup is something he would like to remember always. "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 World Cup is something I will treasure forever."

The 34-year-old player might get to bowl his final spell if Australia decide to declare on the final day of the second Test match today at WACA. They are leading by 193 runs with captain Steven Smith and Adam Voges on the crease.

Nicknamed as ‘The Beast’, Johnson thanked everyone and especially his family and wife Jess for their support throughout his cricketing career. He reached early today at the venue and held the press conference.

"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," Johnson said.

"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."

There have been countless brilliant spells highlights of Johnson bowling, but no one will ever forget his spectacular performance in the 2013-14 Ashes when he took that series by storm single-handedly.

The left-arm bowler’s pace during that particular series was like fire. He troubled every English batsman that Ashes and made it a memorable affair.

Mitchell Johnson’s Career In Numbers

	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR
Tests	73	140	16001	8891	313	8/61	12/127	28.4	3.3	51.1
ODIs	153	150	7489	6038	239	6/31	6/31	25.26	4.83	31.3
T20Is	30	30	656	797	38	3/15	3/15	20.97	7.28	17.2
FC	116		23561	13175	462	8/61		28.51	3.35	50.9
List A	184		9227	7387	284	6/31	6/31	26.01	4.8	32.4
Twenty20	79	78	1738	2254	92	3/15	3/15	24.5	7.78	18.8

Well played @MitchJohnson398. You had an impact on the game and very few can say that about themselves.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 17, 2015

A massive congratulations to @mitchjohnson398 on a wonderful career. It was incredible to play in… https://t.co/52URYlSzzH

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) November 17, 2015

unemotional scenes from @MitchJohnson398 at WACA Its his last warmup for Australia! #PositivesFromRetirements #ByeMJ pic.twitter.com/Gb7dTwizHZ

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) November 17, 2015

Well played @MitchJohnson398 on a fantastic career... We will never forget those ferocious spells.. @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/DkDnn7133d

— Damien Martyn (@damienmartyn) November 17, 2015