News

Mitchell Johnson decides to hang his boots

by IBNS 17 Nov 2015, 07:18 am

Perth, Nov 17 (IBNS) Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the end of the fourth day's play of the second Test match between Australia and New Zealand, here on Monday.

Johnson will bid adieu to active cricket on Tuesday, after the conclusion of the ongoing Test match.

The decision came after months of speculation, according to reports.

Johnson, who is the fourth highest wicket taker for Australia with 311 wickets (it might increase if Australia gets to bowl at New Zealand on the final day of the second Test match) was quoted by cricket.com.au as saying, "I feel now is the best time to say goodbye."

"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)."

"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 Cricket World Cup (earlier this year) is something I will treasure forever."

Thanking his family for their contribution towards molding his career, the speedster said, "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."

Mitch also thanked his Aussie team mates and the Australian cricket faithfuls.

"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."

Apart from being a ferocious fast bowler who clocked serious pace, Johnson was also an able lower order batsman and has a Test hundred to his name alongside 11 half-centuries.

Johnson who rose to prominence as a young Australian pacer, had to face a lot of mockery from the English fans as he was taken to the cleaners on a regular basis. However, it all changed in the year 2013, when on a Boxing Day Test match Mitchell Johnson single-handedly mauled the English side with his brand of pace bowling.

So great and deep was the impact of that spell, that it let to the retirement of an English batsman and had several other axed from the team.

For a good part of that year Johnson was 'the' bowler for his side, going relentless about his job of destroying the opposition batting line-up.

He is also the recipient of  two ICC Player of the Year award, winning it in 2009 and 2014.

Upon his retirement, Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever said, "Dennis Lillee was certainly right many years ago when he identified a young Mitchell Johnson as a future great of Australian cricket."

"In many ways the sight of Mitchell as a moustached tearaway conjured memories of Lillee at his peak, not just in appearance, but for some of the most devastating fast bowling ever produced by an Australian."

"There have been countless highlights, but no one will ever forget his incredible performance in the 2013-14 Ashes when he took that series by storm, only to repeat those efforts soon after in the history-making win over South Africa in South Africa," Peever said.

"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".

"He leaves the game as one of our all-time great bowlers and as an excellent example to young Australians about what they can achieve through hard work and dedication to their chosen craft."

"We thank Mitchell for his outstanding service to the game and wish him, wife Jessica and daughter Rubika the very best for life beyond cricket.”

The cricketing world too paid tribute to Mitch for his service.

Shane Watson wrote on Twitter: "Brings tears to my eyes to think that I won't play again with my great mate @MitchJohnson398. Great team man, great friend & cricket legend."

Ryan Harris wrote: "Massive congrats to great mate @MitchJohnson398 on a fantastic career. Will be a few batsmen in the world breathing easier! Congrats mate!"

Brett Lee wrote: "A massive congratulations to @mitchjohnson398 on a wonderful career."

Sachin Tendulkar wrote: "Good luck to @MitchJohnson398 who has always been a special bowler. Got to know him well at @mipaltan and enjoyed his aggressive approach!"