Fast bowler Johnson retiring from international cricket

He is the only man other than Ricky Ponting to be named world player of the year twice, in 2009 and 2014, and finished with 313 wickets in 73 Tests, behind only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Lillee among Australian bowlers. At his best he was arguably the most intimidating fast bowler of his era but could also be erratic.

Returns of 3-105 and 1-58 in the first test against New Zealand in Brisbane last week prompted Johnson to say he was thinking about retirement every day. “It’s been an incredible ride”, Johnson said.

“But the ride has to come to an end at a few point and to do so here at the WACA is very special”. I like bowling fast and that’s how I know to bowl.

“I felt I couldn’t compete at this level any more – on those tough days I didn’t want to be there”.

“We have lost one of the great players in Australian cricket in Mitchell Johnson and he had a phenomenal career”. Johnson’s 59 wickets over the two series came at an average of 15.23 and if he never reached such heights again, it ensured he would be able to walk away from test cricket on his own terms at a time of his own choosing.

Lavishing praise on Johnson, Ponting said that the former used to be extremely competitive as his only aim was just to bowl at full pace.

Former England cricketer Harmison wrote about Mitchell Johnson in his Daily Express column.

“My family have been by my side throughout and I could not have achieved all I have without their support”, Johnson said. “The encouragement I have acquired has been extraordinarily humbling and enjoying in entrance of them is definitely one thing I will miss”.

Retired paceman Ryan Harris has slammed the current state of Australian pitches, saying the decks have become “ridiculously flat” and may have played a part in Mitchell Johnson’s decision to retire.

Johnson’s unorthodox technique and sheer pace could make his bowling a lottery, inspiring the taunting chant of “He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right” as Australia crashed at home in the 2010-2011 Ashes.

“He was the go-to bowler for Australia – the captain throws him the ball and says “look, we need a wicket desperately”; Johnson comes steaming in bowling 90 mph-plus – he’s aggressive, he’s in your face”. It led to Johnson winning his first Allan Border Medal at the age of 32.

Johnson also played 30 Twenty20 internationals and was a handy lower order batsman, with a Test top score of 123 not out and 11 half-centuries.

As he toiled without his usual zip, Mitchell Starc picked up four wickets in New Zealand’s first innings and on the third day sent down a 160.4 kilometre per hour (99.7 miles per hour) thunderbolt believed to be the fastest ever delivery bowled in Test cricket.

“His record speaks for itself”, McDermott said.

“It’s a new opportunity for us, it’s going to be a great crowd and who knows, in five years’ time it could be the norm”.

Taylor said the lifeless wickets were detrimental to Test cricket.