Mitchell Johnson has confirmed he is retiring from all forms of cricket with his body “starting to shut down” and will not continue on the T20 circuit.
Johnson last month called time on his Big Bash career with the Perth Scorchers, but had left the door open to continue in the IPL and other domestic T20 leagues.
“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.
“I’m ready to break clear of playing cricket and move on to the next period of my life.
A veteran of 73 Tests with 313 wickets to his name and a place in Ashes folklore after monstering England in an unforgettable 2013-14 whitewash, Johnson reflected on the highs and lows of a storied career.
