Australian seamer Mitchell Johnson has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket.
The 36-year-old said he had hoped to continue featuring in Twenty20 tournaments around the globe but his body was “shutting down” and due to some back problems during the recent IPL season had reinforced that it was time to quit.
“It’s over. I’ve bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket,” the left-arm pacer wrote on Perth Now. “Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket.
“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.”
Johnson had previously ruled out playing in the Australia’s domestic T20 Big Bash League.
“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,” He wrote.
“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.”
Johnson has made 73 Tests appearances for the Baggy Green, claiming 313 wickets, and also featured in 153 ODIs before retiring from international cricket in 2015.