Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson retires from international cricket

Mitchell Johnson could become one of the major drawcards in this summer's Twenty20 Big Bash League after the man who "scared the life out of batsmen" called it quits on the international stage.

Johnson confirmed on Tuesday his international career was over, although he is set to receive offers to continue playing in the rich Indian Premier League and the BBL.

He had been contracted by the BBL's Brisbane Heat but is now a free agent. The Heat had thought he would skip the BBL because of his Australian commitments this summer but his retirement could open a bidding war, for he is also a powerful lower-order slugger.

One issue is that the playing lists and salary caps of BBL teams are almost set with the first match about a month away, although it's likely franchise bosses would find room for him should he want to play.

This could mean he would have to accept lower pay than he would typically command, with BBL chiefs on Tuesday indicating it would be unlikely special dispensation would be granted to pay part of his salary outside of the cap.

However, teams could view him as good, if not better, than an import, and remunerate him in this regard, or he may have to wait for another player to be put on the injury list.

Johnson is still awaiting to find out whether he is wanted by the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL.

With pregnant wife Jessica and daughter Rubika Anne watching on at the WACA Ground,  Australia's fourth-highest Test wicket-taker felt it was time to "say goodbye" to international cricket, having admitted he could no longer be a consistent force.

"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 (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 World Cup is something I will treasure forever."

Johnson featured in two successful World Cup campaigns, playing an integral role in this year's win over New Zealand, while being a squad member of the victorious 2007 side in the Caribbean.

Skipper Steve Smith said Johnson had "certainly changed the way Australian cricket's been played", while bowling coach Craig McDermott said he had revived Test cricket.

At his fiercest, with his speed, bounce and swing, the slinging left-hander was almost unplayable and struck fear into many a batsman.

Former England batsman Paul Collingwood said Johnson "bowled rockets" and congratulated him on "scaring the life out of every batsmen around the world".

Johnson's former new-ball partner Ryan Harris said there would be a "few batsmen in the world breathing easier" now his career was done.

There was growing speculation on Monday that Johnson would retire, and that intensified when his Queensland-based manager Sam Halvorsen was spotted in the Australian dressing room post play.

Johnson said leading into this Test that he contemplated retirement almost on a daily basis, having also considered ending his career after the losing Ashes series, when several of his closest teammates, including Brad Haddin and Harris, had also retired.

His efforts during the Black Caps' first innings at the WACA indicated he no longer had the fire to be Australia's spearhead, with Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood taking the new ball ahead of him.

"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," Johnson said.

Johnson's last five-wicket haul was 15 Tests ago against South Africa in Centurion in February last year when he took 12 wickets for the match. 

His retirement continues a major overhaul of the side since the Ashes. Along with Haddin and Harris, the latter retiring on the eve of that series, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and former skipper Michael Clarke have also quit.

MITCH'S MAGNIFICENT NUMBERS

311 wickets from 73 Tests at an average of 28.1

239 wickets from 153 ODIs at an average of 25.26

38 wickets from 30 T20Is at an average of 20.97

12-127, his career-best Test match figures recorded in Australia's win over South Africa in Centurion in 2014

8-61, his career-best Test innings figures recorded in Australia's loss to South Africa in Perth in 2008

6-31, his career-best ODI figures recorded in Australia's win over Sri Lanka in Kandy in 2011

2 Sir Garfield Sobers trophies, awarded to the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and 2014

Two-time World Cup winner, he failed to play a game in Australia's undefeated 2007 campaign but was part of the squad

37 wickets, Johnson's stunning haul in the 2013-14 Ashes. It was five short of breaking the record for most scalps in an Ashes series, but Rodney Hogg achieved that in six Tests.

156.8 km/h, the fastest speed his bowling was clocked at. It came in the 2013 Boxing Day Test against England.

Twice, the number of times he broke Graeme Smith's hand in 2009. Also broke Kumar Sangakkara's hand in 2012, while the menacing paceman broke Ryan McLaren's arm in 2014.

Source:SMH