Mitchell Johnson to Retire from International Cricket: Latest Comments, Reaction

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has retired from all forms of cricket, announcing his decision to team-mates before the fifth day of the Perth Test against New Zealand, per Fox Sports Australia.

"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye," he said in a statement released by Cricket Australia. "I have been lucky to have a wonderful career and enjoyed every moment playing for my country."

Only Johnson and Ricky Ponting have won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy twice as international cricketer of the year (Johnson did so in 2009 and 2014). Johnson is the fourth-highest Test wicket-taker in Australian history (311) and is 25th among all Test bowlers.

Bleacher Report Australia reacted to Johnson’s decision:   

Johnson’s state coach, Justin Langer, commented on the retirement, per Daniel Brettig of ESPNcricinfo.com:

"

Mitch's career has been a wonderful example of what is required to endure the rigours of a life of professional cricket. He was injury-ravaged early, written off, criticized and probably wondered whether he would ever make it.

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. As an athlete, he is peerless and few could bowl as fast…Above all that, it would be hard to meet a nicer bloke. Inside the tough exterior is an outstanding young man, who has been a credit to his family and the Australian cricket family.

"

While Johnson is a legendary force in Australian cricket, he has experienced some ups and downs in his career. He suffered stress fractures in his back and nearly quit in the initial stages of his tenure but bounced back in the 2009 Sobers Trophy voting period with 80 wickets claimed at 27.07 in 17 Tests.

He struggled with some inconsistency after that performance, but his career will be defined by his performances against England in the Ashes, notably in the 2013/14 series when he claimed 37 wickets at an average of 13.97.

The 34-year-old will sign off in slightly underwhelming circumstances, as the Perth Test limps toward a predictable draw. 

However, Johnson's career will be remembered as anything but predictable.