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Mitchell Johnson retires from international cricket

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson announced his retirement from international cricket on the final day of the second Test match against New Zealand Tuesday.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson waves to the crowd at the end of the Test match against New Zealand at Perth on Tuesday.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson waves to the crowd at the end of the Test match against New Zealand at Perth on Tuesday. REUTERS/David Gray
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The 34-year-old left arm bowler, known for his ferocious pace said that he felt now is the best time to say goodbye.

In a statement, Johnson termed his career as 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 said.

Johnson joins fellow Australians Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson who announced their retirement after the 2015 Ashes series.

He informed his colleagues of the decision at the end of the fourth day’s play on Monday. “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,” he said.

“I just lost that hunger in the end to play on those tough days. That was something I used to really enjoy about Test cricket the challenges of those difficult days out there, but I just wasn't enjoying it,” he added.

Johnson made his Test debut in 2007 and managed to claim 311 wickets which took him to number four on the all-time Test wickets list for Australia.

His best haul was 8-61 against South Africa, at the WACA in 2008.

However, he would be most remembered for his performance in the 2013-2014 Ashes series which Australia won 5-0. It was Johnson’s blistering pace that got him 37 wickets which enabled Australia whitewash their arch rivals.

Former opener Justin Langer said that Johnsons’ performance in that series was a testament to his courage, resilience and skill.

“He was injury-ravaged early, written off, criticised and probably wondered whether he would ever make it,” he said.

Johnson though didn’t have a memorable performance in his last Test as he managed to get just one wicket for 157 runs.

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