Mitchell Johnson retired from International Criket on Tuesday after Perth Test

Australian pacer, Mitchell Johnson who has played 73 test matches, has retired from International cricket after Perth test on Tuesday against New Zealand.

The Australian pacer issued a statement before the last day of the WAKA test saying," beyond this match I'm just not sure that I can continue competing consistency at the level required to wear the baggy green."
                  
"I feel now is the best time to say goodbye," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the fifth day's play at WAKA.

"Its been an incredible ride. But the ride has to come an end at some point and to do so here at WAKA is very special," he said.

He has 311 wickets in 73 test matches and 239 wickets in 153 ODI's to his name and he is at the fourth place on the all time Test wickets list for Australia. He is behind Dennis Lillee(355), Glen McGrath(563), Shane Ware(708)

I've give the decision a lot of  thought" said Johnson who emotional told his teammates on his decision at the conclusion of the play on the fourth day.

After his first class debut in 2001 with Queensland, Johnson got his start in the test team in 2007. He later moved to Western Australia.        
His best haul was 8-61 against South Africa in 2008 at WAKA ground.

Johnson has been the backbone of Australia's bowling attack in 73 tests but realized after the first innings of Perth test when he struggled for pace and recorded figures of 1-157, that he may struggle to return to his former heights.

"My career has certainly had its ups and downs but I can honestly say that I given it my all and am proud of everything I have achieved," Johnson said.

At times his form was curtailed by injuries and his career had stalled until a stunning comeback in 2013-2014 summer, when he was recalled for the Australian side and tormented England with blistering pace to take 37 wickets as Australia completed 5-0 clean sweep.