Johnson Retires

[lockyno1]

http://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/...-retire-from-international-cricket/2015-11-17

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has announced that he will retire from all forms of international cricket at the end of today’s second Commonwealth Bank Test against New Zealand in Perth.
Johnson, 34, the country’s fourth highest Test wicket-taker, informed his teammates of his decision last night, saying that after 73 Tests he felt it was the right time to walk away from the game.
“I feel now is the best time to say goodbye,” Johnson said.
“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.
“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 is something I will treasure forever.
“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.
“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.”
Johnson enters the final day of the Test on 311 Test wickets and sits behind only Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708) on the list of Australia’s greatest wicket-takers.



Rest can be viewed on link

 

[Mr Angry]

Go out with a 5 for!

 

[Ibleedblue]

Congrats on a great career Mitch, the memories of the 5-0 sweep against England will never be forgotten.

 

[lockyno1]

Congrats on a great career Mitch, the memories of the 5-0 sweep against England will never be forgotten.

Smashing Broad's toe after him stuffing around with the sidescreen was the single funniest moment lol:lol:

 

[Mr Angry]

Couple more IPL contracts - set for life.

 

[Pete Cash]

An up and down player but at his best was truly frightening for batsmen. He was so exciting to watch.

 

[undertaker]

After being dumped from the 2013 tour of India (taking no wickets), Johnson's test career highlight will always be that purple patch he had after he was recalled to the side, taking 59 wickets @ 15.2 (37 in the Ashes, 22 against South Africa).

Overall, his career was punctured with inconsistency and another one of those 'what could've been' players. But there is no disputing the fact that when he got the ball in the right spots with sheer pace like he did to Faf Du Plessis at Centurion last year, he was lethal.

Not just inconsistency with the ball, but also with the bat. He was naturally gifted lower-order batsman, and an average of 22.13 isn't a reflection of that. Never forget his 123* and 96* (including 5 sixes, which got us from 7/296 to 466) during the 2009 tour of South Africa. Also, in an ODI vs England in 2011, Clarke promoted him to no.4 and Johnson scored 57, which turned out to be crucial in chasing down 334.

 

[Pete Cash]

He is a bit of an erratic genius who needed pace in the wicket. His record in aus and the rsa is quite good.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Ashes 2013/14 will forever be a highlight.

At his best, devastating.

At his worst, a used tampon.

I'd love nothing more to see him tear NZ a new one this arvo. But I can't see it happening.

 

[The Charlatan]

Fourth highest Aussie wicket taker behind DK, Pigeon and Warnie.

In a pretty esteemed class there, despite his woeful dips in form at times.

Pulled the team out of the shit with the bat a few times too.

 

[chigurh]

After being dumped from the 2013 tour of India (taking no wickets), Johnson's test career highlight will always be that purple patch he had after he was recalled to the side, taking 59 wickets @ 15.2 (37 in the Ashes, 22 against South Africa).

He had a pretty awesome series in 09' vs South Africa too.

Broke Smith's hand (for the first time), had Kallis retire hurt and took a heap of wickets. He was unplayable when he got the ball to swing back. It seemed like he would carry that swing and form into the Ashes but it never eventuated.

 

[PARRA_FAN]

Well done Mitch on a great career.

I think it was this time 10 years ago he made his Australian debut in the Chappell Hadlee series in Christchurch. Unfortunately not the best starts, I think he got 0/64 on his ODI debut.

But still tried his best to get back in the side, he was regular after not long after.

My favourite moments for him would be the South Africa series in both 2009 and 2014, and of course the Ashes in 2013/14. Probably the best bowling performance in a series since McGrath and Warne.

Yes there were inconsistent moments in his career but when he was on fire he really shook up the batsmen.

 

[Eelectrica]

Congrats to him on his career. On his day he could be so devastating.
Gotta be tough to want to be bowling on these batter friendly pitches. Good time to retire as a bowler.

 

[Twizzle]

Decent career based on pace but not much else.

Wasn't really a big fan but hey, he has a decent record.

 

[TheParraboy]

If Johnson gets sent in to bat up the order im expecting kiwis to give him a guard of honour and shake his hand..

 

[Twizzle]

and kiss his arse, becuase its good sortsmanship

 

[redvscotty]

It's not good sportsman ship unless they tongue his balls.

 

[Bazal]

In all fairness to the guy, the way he came back into the Test side and was five times the bowler he had been before was a pretty bloody impressive thing. Far from the top echelon of bowlers we've had over his career but on his day he matched it with the best quite comfortably.

I must say the timing seems a little odd, in that surely he'd have been tempted to have one last hurrah bashing the poornold Windies but I guess when times up, it's just up.

 

[TheParraboy]

In all fairness to the guy, the way he came back into the Test side and was five times the bowler he had been before was a pretty bloody impressive thing. Far from the top echelon of bowlers we've had over his career but on his day he matched it with the best quite comfortably.

I must say the timing seems a little odd, in that surely he'd have been tempted to have one last hurrah bashing the poornold Windies but I guess when times up, it's just up.

I'm not sure how much it would have played on his mind and ultimately played on his decision to retire, but the 1st day of the Adelaide test is exactly 12 months since Phil Hughes passing

 

[JJ]

and kiss his arse, becuase its good sortsmanship

That's just a dickhead approach - strange how them being decent annoys so much



Not sure what to make of Johnson tbh, at times phenomenal, at others awful... overall strike rate excellent, average good - which sums it up, got people put but was often very expensive. Frightening at times though, and seriously handy with the bat...

Overall, I'd be very happy with that career if it was me, he can be proud