Feared paceman Johnson retires

PERTH — Fiery Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson Tuesday announced his retirement from all international cricket after the 2nd Test against New Zealand, joining a host of fellow veterans to recently call it quits. Renowned for his express pace, ferocious bounce and capacity to intimidate, the 34-year-old said in a statement ahead of the fifth day’s play at Perth’s WACA Ground: “I feel now is the best time to say goodbye. “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.” He follows Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson into the sunset, who all upped stumps after the recent Ashes series against England. Speculation had been rife about Johnson’s future, with the bowler admitting last week that he thought about retirement “most days.” On his adopted home ground which has been the scene of some of his most lethal spells during a 73-Test career, the left-armer returned dismal figures of 1-157 in the first innings against New Zealand. He took the two New Zealand wickets that fell on the last day of the Test. His three wickets moved him past Brett Lee and into fourth place on the all-time Test wickets list for Australia with 313. He sits behind Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708). “I’ve given the decision a lot of thought,” said Johnson, who emotionally told his teammates at the conclusion of play on the fourth day. “Beyond this match, I’m just not sure that I can continue competing consistently at the level required to wear the baggy green.” After making his first class debut with Queensland in 2001, Johnson got his start in the Test team in 2007 before moving to Western Australia. His best haul was 8-61 against South Africa, at the WACA in 2008. Described by long-time mentor Lillee as a “once in a generation” bowler, the former ICC Cricketer of the Year also claimed 239 wickets in 153 One-Day Internationals. “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 added. 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. “He was injury-ravaged early, written off, criticized and probably wondered whether he would ever make it,” said former Test opener and Western Australia’s head coach Justin Langer. “This in mind, it is a testament to his courage, resilience and skill that he retires as one of Australia’s greatest ever fast bowlers.”