<p>Searing Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson today announced his retirement from all international cricket at the end of the ongoing Test against New Zealand, joining a host of fellow veterans who recently called it quits.<br /><br />"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye," the 34-year-old said in a statement ahead of the fifth day's play at Perth's WACA Ground.<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />He follows Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson into retirement, who all quit after the recent Ashes series against England.<br /><br />Speculation had been rife about Johnson's future ahead of the second Test against the Kiwis, with the bowler admitting last week that he thought about retirement "most days".<br /><br />On his adopted home ground which has been the scene of some of his most lethal spells during a 73-Test career, he returned dismal figures of 1-157 in the first innings against New Zealand.<br /><br />His sole wicket moved the left-armer past Brett Lee and into fourth place on the all-time Test wickets list for Australia, with 311. He sits behind Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708).<br /><br />"I've given the decision a lot of thought," said Johnson, who emotionally told his teammates of his decision at the conclusion of play on the fourth day.<br /><br />"Beyond this match, I'm just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at the level required to wear the baggy green."<br /><br />After making his first class debut with Queensland in 2001, Johnson got his start in the Test team in 2007. He later moved to Western Australia.<br /><br />His best haul was 8-61 against South Africa, at the WACA Ground, in 2008. <br /><br />Described by Australian great Lillee, who was his long-time mentor, as a "once in a generation" bowler, the former ICC Cricketer of the Year also claimed 239 wickets in 153 one-day internationals.<br />"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," Johnson said.<br /><br />At times his form was curtailed by injuries and his career had stalled until a stunning comeback in the 2013-14 summer, when he was recalled to the Australian side and tormented England with blistering pace to take 37 wickets at 13.97 as the home side completed a 5-0 clean series sweep.</p>.<p><br />Johnson also played 30 Twenty20 internationals and was a handy lower order batsman capable of clean striking, with a Test top score of 123 not out and 11 half-centuries.<br /><br />"I am sure there are many batsmen around the world breathing a sigh of relief right now, knowing that they no longer have to face him," said Cricket Australia chairman David Peever.<br />"He leaves the game as one of our all-time great bowlers." </p>
<p>Searing Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson today announced his retirement from all international cricket at the end of the ongoing Test against New Zealand, joining a host of fellow veterans who recently called it quits.<br /><br />"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye," the 34-year-old said in a statement ahead of the fifth day's play at Perth's WACA Ground.<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />He follows Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson into retirement, who all quit after the recent Ashes series against England.<br /><br />Speculation had been rife about Johnson's future ahead of the second Test against the Kiwis, with the bowler admitting last week that he thought about retirement "most days".<br /><br />On his adopted home ground which has been the scene of some of his most lethal spells during a 73-Test career, he returned dismal figures of 1-157 in the first innings against New Zealand.<br /><br />His sole wicket moved the left-armer past Brett Lee and into fourth place on the all-time Test wickets list for Australia, with 311. He sits behind Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708).<br /><br />"I've given the decision a lot of thought," said Johnson, who emotionally told his teammates of his decision at the conclusion of play on the fourth day.<br /><br />"Beyond this match, I'm just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at the level required to wear the baggy green."<br /><br />After making his first class debut with Queensland in 2001, Johnson got his start in the Test team in 2007. He later moved to Western Australia.<br /><br />His best haul was 8-61 against South Africa, at the WACA Ground, in 2008. <br /><br />Described by Australian great Lillee, who was his long-time mentor, as a "once in a generation" bowler, the former ICC Cricketer of the Year also claimed 239 wickets in 153 one-day internationals.<br />"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," Johnson said.<br /><br />At times his form was curtailed by injuries and his career had stalled until a stunning comeback in the 2013-14 summer, when he was recalled to the Australian side and tormented England with blistering pace to take 37 wickets at 13.97 as the home side completed a 5-0 clean series sweep.</p>.<p><br />Johnson also played 30 Twenty20 internationals and was a handy lower order batsman capable of clean striking, with a Test top score of 123 not out and 11 half-centuries.<br /><br />"I am sure there are many batsmen around the world breathing a sigh of relief right now, knowing that they no longer have to face him," said Cricket Australia chairman David Peever.<br />"He leaves the game as one of our all-time great bowlers." </p>