Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has confirmed his retirement from all cricket and the fact that he won’t be continuing on the global T20 circuit.
Johnson brought the curtain down on his from Big Bash League career in July but left the door open for Indian Premier League, in which he had represented Kolkata Knight Riders in the last campaign.
“It’s over. I’ve bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Johnson wrote for the Perth Now website.
“I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down.”
Johnson said he turned down a return with the Perth Scorchers because he “mentally I’m done as well”.
“When I sat down with new Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges recently to discuss my future, he was interested in me playing on again this summer. I did believe I could still be helpful around the playing group with my experience. But I think mentally I’m done as well,” Johnson wrote.
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“I’m ready to break clear of playing cricket and move on to the next period of my life.
If I can’t play at 100 per cent then I can’t give my best to the team. And for me it’s always been about the team.”
Mitchell Johnson retired from ODI cricket after winning the 2015 World Cup, while his Test career came to a halt later the same year.
The 36-year-old has suggested that he would be open to a coaching role in the future.
“My competitive urge hasn’t left me and hopefully that’s something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future. I’m a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength,” the left-armer added.
I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it. I’ve got a lot of experience in cricket and no experience in coaching officially, though I did help out at Wanneroo last summer and I’ve always enjoyed working with young players.”
First Published: Aug 19, 2018 11:21 IST
